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TAMIL PROVERBS
' ■
I
'f
l WITH THEIR
ElfGLISH TRANSLATION.
CONTAINING
UPWARDS Of SIX THOUSANiD PROVERBS.
BT THB
REV. P. PERCIVAL,
Chaplain, Madras Miutast Fbmalb Orphan Astluh
AurHOR OF TBB LAin> OP THE VeDA, &C.
SECOND EDITION.
^ -'
.'^
MADRAS:
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED AT THE DINA VARTAMANI PRESS,
LITTLE BOURNE, MTLAPORE.
I 1S74.
PREFACE TO THE HRST EDIHON.
ADVERTISEMENT.
It is hoped that the following collection of Tamil Proverbs
may be useful to those who are in any way connected with the
interesting people who speak that language. Examples of
concise and forcible expression are thereby furnished, which may
tend to aid in the study of the language, and occasional allusions
W national, social, and religious usages may suggest heads of
valuable enquiry, while the modes of thinking, and the natural
sirewdness of the Hindu mind may^ be seen through this
fiiedium. It is presumed that the translation generally conveya
tlie sense of the original, although not always with its force,
nor with] the elegance that might be desired. Should it be
<?alled for, a future edition may remedy some of the existing
faults, and also supply deficiencies, both as to the character
oftU translation, and the number of the examples.
P. PERCIVAL.
Jaffna, Christmas^ 1842.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
A FEW words on the history of the book now offered to the
Public in an enlarged form may not be out of place in the
Prefiice to the Second Edition.
Almost immediately after my arrival in this country in 1826,
I entered on my Missionary work among the Tamil people,
having acquired the rudiments of their language in England
from a gentleman who had spent several years in the South of
India and North Ceylon. Intercourse with the natives afforded
fi^e ample opportunities of becoming acquainted with tlieir
modes of thought and expression, and, noticing their predilec-
tion for proverbial sayings, I was led to an early study and use
of Tamil proverbs.
In 1830 I was removed to Bengal. There I became ac-
quainted with a clergyman who had, like myself, turned his
attention to the proverbs of the people among whom he dwelt.
He collected a considerable number of Bengali proverbs, and
published them, with an English translation, in a small
volume, printed at the Press connected with Bishop's College,
Calcutta. When the Mission in Bengal with which I was
connected was withdrawn, I returned to my former sphere of
labor among the Tamil people. As opportunity offered, 1
collected and arranged proverbs that I found current among
them; and in 1842 printed a collection of nearly nineteen
hundred with an English translation^
VI PREFACE.
The First Edition having become scarce, I was urged, .by
many whose judgment I felt bound to respect, to prepare matter
for a second and enlarged edition. Various causes prevented me
from immediately undertaking the work. For several years all
my time was devoted to the revision of the Tamil Scriptures, in
conjunction with Messrs. Rhenius,. Knight, Spaulding, Hutch-
iNGS, and others, and in passing the " Tentative Bible" through
the Press. Subsequently a visit to England caused a further
postponement of my plan, but, on my return to Madras in 1854,
my attention was again directed to the subject of Tamil
proverbs.
In the following year a Committee of gentlemen belonging to
the Civil and Military Services of Government, Messrs. Stoker,
Sim, Chamier, and Colonels Brown, Pears, and Bell resolved
to start a Journal, for the purpose of diffusing, among the
Tamil people, information social, political, and literary. The
Committee invitied my co-operation as Editor. This labor I at
once accepted, the more readily because for several months I
had been making arrangements to carry out the same idea, and
had visited Calcutta to procure information on the subject,
chiefly from Mr. Marshman. In October 1855 the first number
of the new journal, the Dinavartaindni, was published. Soon
after this I also undertook the editing of a Telugu journal of the
same scope, and bearing tlie same name. The circulation of
these papers throughout the Madras Presidency afforded me a
good opportunity of inviting the subscribers to assist me in the
collection of Tamil and Telugu proverbs. My request was met
by contributions from all parts of the country. The former were
added to a rapidly increasing collection, while a selection from
the latter was published, from week to week, along with an
PREFACE. Vii
English translation, in the Telugu Dinavartamdni, When the
late Major Carr informed me that he was preparing a volume of .
Telugu proverbs for the Press, I made over to him my collection,
a service he thus acknowledored in the Preface to bis work —
" The Translator ho« to thank the Rev. P. Percival, Professor
of Vernacular Literature, Presidency College, for kindly placing
at his disposal a MS. containing a large number of Telugu
proverbs."
In the year 1860 my collection of Tamil proverbs contained
nearly five thousand examples translated into English and ready
for the Press. At that time, however, I was so much engaged in
preparing books and maps, in the Vernaculars, for the Director
of Public Instruction, that I found it impossible to carry out my
design of printing these proverbs, although I had announced it
in the Dinavartamdni. Then followed an interval of ten years
during which I was engaged in duties absorbing all my time and
attention. I had the superintendence of the Public Instruction
Press on my hands ; and, aided by the Pundits of the Presidency
College, and other competent native scholars, had tlxe responsi-
bility of editing, among the works that issued from the Press
during this period, seven dictionaries, some of which have since
been re-printed.
At the beginning of 1870, having been relieved from my heavy
duties in connexion with the Presidency College and the Unir
versity, I resolved to print the proverbs as they stood, and' soon
after this having met the Rev. G, Fryar of Manargudi, Tanjore
District, I learnt that be had fur eight or nine years been also
engaged in collecting Tamil proverbs, and that his collection
then amounted to five thousand examples, and that he proposed
eventually to publish it on the basis of my First Edition, On
via PREFACE.
hearing of my own plan, Mr. Fryar abandoned this purpose, and
very generously placed his valuable MS. at my disposal, from
which I obtained several hundred new proverbs.
Shortly after this, again, one of my compositors brought me
an old-looking MS. containing over fifteen hundred examples.
A volume printed in 1861 at Vepery, and containing nearly
four thousand examples, was also put into my hands. But
these collections yielded very few proverbs not already contain-
ed in my own MS. A Pundit of the Government Normal
School furnished me with about a hundred fresh examples, and
a small MS. belonging to a Native Christian lady of Tanjore
contained a few curious proverbs that I had not seen before.
These related to Christian character, and evidently originated
in anything but a benign feeling.
Altogether my collections in 1872 exceeded fifteen thousand,,
but they only yielded the number contained in this volume.
That the outcome of so large a gathering should be compara-
tively small may easily be accounted for by the fact that the
several collections, in very many instances, contained the
same proverbs. It must be borne in mind that my own
collection, which eventually absorbed the others, was made
during a period extending over forty years, and that, through
the medium of the Dinavartamdnif I had received contributions
from all parts of the Madras Presidency, as well from North
Ceylon. Hence it was but natural that I should anticipate
collectors who come into the field later.
But fdr the omission of many of the admired Aphorisms of the
ancient Tamil matron, Avveyar, this collection would have 'been
somewhat larger. Though these Aphorisms are i^ompositions a£
PREFACE. IZ
unequalled brevity and beauty, I have, for tbe most part, omitted
thein^ because they are geifeerally taught im sehools, and ffideed
regarded as part of a school course. En pasmnt I may zoention
that seven or eight years ago I printed and published them,
in a separate form, with an analysis and translation in English,
and that a Second Edition of this work is now in the Press,
Bible proverbs, and those obviously Sanskrit, are also omitted,
because this collection is designed to be Dravidian, Transla-
tions from Western proverbs I have for the same reason left out.
In this edition, as in the First, the proverbs are arrawged in
alphabetical order. This of course is the easiest method. Some
years ago I thought of classifying the subjects somewhat after
the plan of Amarakosha, a Sanskrit Dictionary, wherein objects
are divided into separate classes, as Supernals, Infernals, Men,
Animals, &c. A division of subjects on the principle of a com-
monplace book was also thought of, and a friend whose judg-
ment I greatly respect, suggested an index. Although each
of the methods referred to has much to recommend it, at length
I gave them all up, and resolved to adopt the easiest— ^the
alphabetical arrangement. Had I decided otherwise, the work
must have been delayed ; and as in my case " the day is far
spent," I might not have been able to accomplish my purpose.
On the analogy of the proverbial expressions current in all
countries, many scraps of sentences, mere allusions, similitudes,
and the like, are included in this collection, though not proverbs
in the proper sense of the term. The objects of Nature, habits,
and dispositions of animals, government, agriculture and com-
merce, domestic and religious usages supply a large number of
proverbial expressions. The incidents of classical literature
contribute many that prove highly acceptable to those who have
. X PREFACE.
' any acquaintance with the sources of Hindu history. So largely
do the atories of ancient writers contribute that the fact has
originated a proverb universal among the people of Bengal.
What is there after Bharata ?
A glance at a few pages of this volume will suffice to show
that the people among whom such proverbs are current cannot
be ignorant of the laws of God.
Vox Populi, vox Dei,
may be applied to this aspect of many of the Dravidian proverbs ::
" The people's voice, the voice of God we call ;
And what are Proverbs, but the people's voice ?
Coined first and common madev by common choice ;.
Then sure they must have weight, and truth withal."
I may be permitted to say a few words on the utility of
a volume like that now offered to the public, A foreigner
destined to spend the best part of his life among the Tamil
people will find their proverbs of inestimable value. In these
pithy and instructive sayings avast fund of information will be
found, not to be obtained from ordinary books, and not at all
from bopks designed for Western minds ; — practical maxims^
resulting from the experience of many generations, maxims
that will be sought in vain in books of modern origin.
The translation will, I hope, be generally approved. In some
instances I have found it difficult to ascertain the meaning ; and
in many the application has equally puzzled both myself and
others to whom I have applied for information. In some cases
I may have been misled by those who might be more disposed
to hazard a conjecture than to acknowledge ignorance. For
the benefit of foreigners the occasional notes might have been
PREFACE, Xl
advantageously increased in number, but usages diifer so much
that great caution is required in this matter. So varied is the
operation of race, language, religion, and climate, upon the
character and social usages of the Hindus who occupy the vast
area of India that it is unsafe to assume generally that what i.s
common in one Province is so in others.
In conclusion, any one interested in this work will oblige by
sending me proverbs not found in the collection, or any sugges-
tions for improving the next Edition. Though I may not hope
to see another edition, my son-in-law, Mr. W. A. Symonds, wha
has long studied Tamil proverbs with great interest, will, should
it be called for, undertake the editing.
Little Bourne, Madras, ) P. PEIRCIVAL.
February 13, 1874. j
TAMIL PROVEEBS,
WITH THEIR TRANSLATION IN
ENGLISH.
1. ^sij6SiSu9/b QuirL^®u Ljpmei^sesiiu isidseo/rLbir ?
Having placed the thing on the pahn, why lick the hack of th»
hand?
2. ^su.eQ^L-.LD/nuLJ Qu^SQy&ir,
He speaks artfully.
3. jy«j9«r^ ^mmuLD ^SoRfr.
Heaven is the help of the helpless.
God Himself is the help of the helpless.
The word of the destitute does not reach the assembly.
An atsemblj of learned men or men in power. The word* of the
poor, whether they relate to oppression, or to other injuries, or to
opinion, are not likely to find admission where alone they can avail.
Light breaks on the head of the destitute.
Blame, or suspicion, will fall on the head of the unprotected aiid
friendless The poor are at work by break of day.
i. ^<s^ Qu^eu^ Queifn9Gn'Ssir^ ^^a/ib 0«i€ir«f) ^riru.Lb.
Hie destitute brings forth a female child, and Ihftt on Fnday,
under the star Piiridam.
ij Lp Q LD fr Lpl,
Ufled of ont su^Tering from an aecumulatioti of ttrWn The eon<^
dition of the pnr^nt, the sex of the child, the da^ of its birtk and
its ruling star are alike inaus[>icious.
8. jy«^53^ujLJ U(^^ Q^lLQp^it ?
What ! is tribute demanded of the destitute ?
9. jy««^^^ ^Lp(3^ Qp^^^e\) Q^lfliLjLO,
The beauty of the mind appears in the face.
Though the Agatli — Coronilla grandifioray — brings forth by
thousands^ its fruit remains ungathered.
Spoken of the beneficent acts of one not held in estimation, and
whose kindness is not therefore appreciated. The proverb is also
used of a miser whose treasures are useless.
Does the thief steal in expectation of being caught ?
He who was caught was under the influence of Saturn in the
eighth sign, and he who escaped, did so, under the influence of
Saturn in the ninth.
Saturn situated in the eighth sign from that of one*s birth is
supposed to exercise a most malignant iufiuence> This ofinion o
the Hindus appears in many of their ProTerhs.
Hindu Astronomy is made the foundation of a rast system of
Astrology. The real movemenU and the rtl<Uix$ poaitloin of the
planets are wrought into a systematic connection with a great
variety of arbitrary divisions of the signs of the Zodiac, and of the
twenty-seven Lunar Mansions. To these bodies are added various
Mytholofical appendages, as beasts, birds, trees, ^c, all of which,
of course, being a pait of the fine-spun theory, help to form, in the
view of the people generally, a more recondite and imposing systenx
IhatL that of Asti'ODomy itself.
The 4^i^ologt€iJ dogmas of lodia hare an importamt beftnng on
all the domestic arrangements and praoiices of the people i hey
Tamil fbov^rbs. 3
extend to a great tariety of popular superstitions which run out into
ererv department of life. This is seen in the luck j and nnluckj
months, days and other dirisions of time, in the horoscope, which
has a powerful controlling influence iu marriage, and in other
matters relating to the settlement of families and in the more
general prognostics for the year as given in the Hindu Calendar.
Astrology in its popular developments exerti a powerful influence
on all classes of Hindu Society.
If he who has the ladle be one's own serrant, what matters it
whether one be seated first or last at the feast ?
The Agappai — ladle — here referred to is made of a piece of
cocoanut shell with a suitable wooden handle. The shell being Tory
hard and not porous is well suited for the purposes of a spoon or
ladle. It is easily cleaned, and well adapted for earthen cooking
Vessels. It may be seen in every cooking room or shed throughout
the Tamil country.
14, jy£5ii <^/D<3= ^^Lb (oTJ^U^,
As grain becomes cheaper, enjoyment increases.
If grain abound, the five also will abound ; if grain be scarce, the
five will be so.
16. jy«£i u^eQfB^fr&) cr&)e\)frLD LDeQiLjLD, ^<xld (^ets^pik^fTeo cre^eoirui
If grain abounds, all things abound, if graitt be scarce, all things
arie scarce*
If apart, long friendship, if tqgethclr, the least touch Ifill proroker
hatred.
When apart, even einmity becomes fiiendship^
4 u ifiQ mir lS*
• *
Separation secures manifest friendship.
A large halo — a rainy day.
21. ^^eQSeo ^fSiU[rj35eu&sr ^esdnh ^jiSiurresr,
He who knows not the price of grain, knows not sorrow.
The moat into which the alligator has plunged is to itself Yai*
kundam. (Paradise,)
23* jy^/r nsfria/nuu Qu^SQtf^&tr.
He speaks glibly.
Is it to see the face of one who acts improperly ?
25. ^Qstrir /SBU& eQui?^ Qe=irFeisr,
▲ terrible ascetic, an atrocious cheat.
26. ^(S6srrjr ^u^, eQu/F^ /Si^Gm&tr,
in austerity, severe ; in penrersity, an adept.
Prone to extremes.
27« ^i^€V)tr LLrrtL(Bl^(^ g)««65)/r u^en^^
Green pcutwre on this shore for the cattle on that.
28. ^««/r® QeuL-t^u U(^/i^ 6Qes)^iSCSp&ir Gr&sr(ffi\)^ ^uurr ct^mt
iiQ6sir(m ^uuiLi^ ereifrSQy&sr i9e/rdsfr.
If I say that 1 am about to clear away the jungle to sow cotton
seed, my child exclaims, O father, givt me a cloth*
Sanguint and very auticipatory.
29. jyi^/r® QeutLtf-u uq^fis^ eQes)jsjs^!re\>^ ^uuir Qpifi6F&p(yeiDL-
If I clear away the jungle and sow cotton seed, it is said that the
girl exclaimed, 0 father, a cubit of cloth.
TAMIL PROYIBBS.
This fnendaliip of a brother-in-law lasta while one's sister lives.
31. 3jssjretr p^emL^/r^e\)^ thd^^/rm p^eisrCSl,
If one has a sister, he may have a brother-in-law.
Mk__^ia*a
U the property of the elder sister riee, and that of the younger bran P
Satd of one who is extremelj ohary about hit own property, and
indifforeiit about that of another.
33. jy«<«/r6yr e^p-sijih Lb^^rr&r UG^sntfu^ir ?
Whilst cherishing friendship for the sister, are you at enmity with
the brotber-in-law ?
Having taken in marriage the elder sister, why inquire after the
rank of the younger ?
Having reproached her elder sister, the younger played the harlot.
36. ^ii&fT&r^ir&sr 6h.i^ui9pn5fi5iTerry LDd=^,T^Lb Sn-L^uiSpfb^T^ ?
My sister was indeed bom of the same mother : was my brother-
in-law also t
Will a dog understand the Vedas, although bom in a Brahman
villrtge I
Should a sheep come into a Brahman village, each person will get
but a hair.
After a sheep has been sacrificed in a Brahma nicnl villrtg« and the
carcass consumed, the Brahmans may use the hair when performing
ptSja : t1)is interpretation is disputed
As a dog longed for the consecrated things of a Brahman village.
6 ^ u ifiQ Ltiir L^^
Said when great expectations are entertained of somelLing thtt is
likely to proie illusory ; an amusing storj is told about this pro?erb.
40. jy«®arf) LoSsoCJoiev s/ruLijrurressrLD i9jrQujfrS^^^(Su/r€\),
As one discharged a camphor arrow at a burning mountain.
Spoken of an Act done to injure another, fruitless or inadequate,
and possibly destructive of the means employed.
He is as if a libation liad been poured out to the god of fire.
Used of one naturally very black, who on hearing the proverb if
he understands its purport, is of course very angry. When water is
poured on burning charcoal the cinders appear exceedingly black.
The intended reflection is not the less insulting because of the com-
plimentary way in which it is conveyed.
« I, ■
42. jSf^Sssfliufrp mt-L^ Lfessr eQe^iS^i^fr^,
A cauterized wound will not fester much.
Whence sorrow to him who haa no connections ?
Said of one who is so obscure and iselated as to have no one
whose griefs he can share or assuage.
44, jifiB^jietn^ ^fb/3eo ^2eoQ^!r(^^rr ?
Is it improper to bathe in a river I
Although he take his body and wash it in the river, no fault will
be found
46. ^(Bi^^eiD^^ QiSfTbisTjry ^pfSlGO Q^iidtSiQeiJfrcifr^)^,
A body that has been deprived of life (murdered) may not be put
into a river.
He 18 seen everywhere enjoying himself : when looked at in his
homestead, he is not worth half a cash
TAMIL PBOVEEBS. 7
Said of one who, when out, affects to be well off. whereas he has
Hotbiiig at all to depend upoii.
The word (««*; Cash, is used fer sereial kinds of eoin, also for
none J.
48. ^misfTi^ eQSsoemuj ^Qjr ^i^<3s^itQ^,
Do not beat down the market price.
Do not contravene the established opinions and practices of the
people with whom jou are associated .
If a song be demanded of a woman going along with her market
basket^ she will exclaim venkaiyam, karuv^jtpilai, {Onion^y
curvy leaves.)
One who frequently changes his party will receive two slapa here
and three cuffs there.
Tummattippattan^ who had escaped here and there, was caught.
Referring to the adTcntures of a sorcerer.
He is here and there and has a share also in the boiled rice.
Why, my daughter, are you cryiug there for kanji ? come hither
and you may fly as the wind.
Spoken of a proffered change which may be for the worse.
If her neighbour prospers, she will starve herself for five days.
55. ^iSFe\) ePQ eufrt^m^rrffo ujrQ^a'LD QufrSp^rr ?
Is ooe to go to a forcigti couotry, because his neighbour prospers T
8 u ifiQ mfr L^^
RegardlesB of circumstances, he aims to destroy his neighbour.
57- jy<sr®//ru uu9(f^LCi semL-.Qjs tupskjih.
Stunted grain — friendship at sight.
Both valueleis.
A cow eats moving ; a house eats standing.
59. j^i&'^Lb ^e\)&)fr^eiJ6sr jifihueVLa ^or^eurreir^
The fearless goes into the assembly.
Used of those who have more courage tban discretion.
A car without a linch-pin will not move even three spans.
Intimating that appliances howeyer triyial cannot be dispensed
with, and that the best instrumtnts and weapons require due man-
agement.
Though taken to Achchi, a wooden ladle will fetch only half a
cash.
Achchi being a prosperous place, cooking, niensiU are there in
great demand, yet even there this inferior article will bring no
more than Us value.
Spoken of the intrinaic value of a thing.
62. j^^&uS^Lb i9<9^<5jfyfS'ii65n'jrir s_63aT®.
There are beggars even in Achchi.
See the preceding proverb.
63, ^i^^^srea^irjr&sr np^Qii) eu^^^^ssr^sir f^ e'/S^&rr^
The cheat has got on the shoulders of the conjurer.
Said when one deceiver has got the better of another.
Deferential respect is agreeable to every one«
TAMIL PROVERBS. 9
Who will tolerate a presumptuous or impudent man ?
66. jyg5<F/r6y^ Quern Qs^&^^ll Ses)U.ujrr^,
A fifth born female cannot be obtained though earnestly sought.
A fifth born ftmale is regarded as the special favourite of fortune \
an eighth, — as the rery opposite.
67. jf^SCSeo ^deiruj/r^^ ^ihu^Qeo eu^siriLjUifr ?
Will that which was not bent at five, bend at fifty ?
68. jyg5^«»ra;^w<i (^Qf^^ii Qcuq^lLQld,
Even a fledgeling may scare the timid.
69. jygj©^ ^fSliutr^eu^ ^ijau^eo j^/Sleu(r^ ?
Will one ignorant at five understand at fifty ?
Early iDstructiott essential to future knowledge. The provtrh
may also suggest that growth in years will not make one, that is
naturally dull, bright.
Demons strike the timid.
Act manfully, but modestly.
<2. jy^S^gjo/r<i 0<sEg5<»6ff<gBQii, ^t^^^tresyiT eiifry)e8ss(^La,
Those who were once feared may be made to beg ; and they who
were once oppressed may be made prosperous.
To the timid the sky is full of demons.
<4. jyg5<9r «/r<9r«(2« (^^effifTiLfLb Q&JeaoT^LDy jyjS76i/'Lo ^pD^npi «L_i;
A horse is required for fire cash, and he must be able to leap
over a river.
Used in derision when great results are expected from inadequate
means.
10 U tpQ LDfT iB.
A re five young birds a curry ? Is a young girl a wife ?
76. ^^^^(Q ^FemGl U(ip^(S\)3so,
Of the five senses- two are uninjured.
tTned with reference to soQie, of several desiderated objects that
have been accomplished, or of some thingt that remain^ uninjured.
77. Jij^^ uessTih QmrrQ^^n-^LCi^ ^^^Sssr ^^^jrih ^^ir^.
Even if you were to give away five fanams, such haste or precipi-
tation will not do.
Precipitance in judgment is woi'se than actual loss.
If possessed of five and tbree^eveir a young girl may make a curry.
Tlie five arc acid pepper, salt, mufrtaid and cumin-, the three,
are water, fuel and fire..
This proverb is used by a man when his wife has prepared a currj
thac does not please him.
79. ^^<3^(i^^^iTe9 OtB{^3^QF^wi fasiLi^dsQ^sfTemQ eu/i^rrpQu/rev
eueod<3BfrjrLDfnuu Quai-SQtfuj,
Thou speak est ostentatiously as a matron who has come having her
bosom adorned with a t£li ornamented with five figures.
The lali is a marriage symbol used as a wedding ring; is in Europe^
Various astiologiciil obsei vances attend the melting of the gold &e.
The fi.ve forms lefevred to are the ^yq weapons of Vishnu. Vix.
the disciis, the club, the conch, the bow and the sword
The Romanists orunineut the tdli with the figure of a dove.
89. ^C5^^ euuj^ ^€SST i9 (^ Ssir <i (^ ^lou^ euiu^u Ousm «/reu np
A woman of fift}^ must bend the knee before a boy of five.
Keferring to the deference paid tj the male sex by the Hindui.
81. •iy^<»C?6i7/rizo/r<55 Q^^^t^^mu ufrir^Q(af>6sr,
He aims to humble the timid by force.
TAMIL PROVERBS. II
Confiict in five Tillages is but currj", five maracals of rico is only
a mouthful.
Spoken of one who dtlighis in tbe misfortunes of olhei*t.
The five letters and the sentiment are like him.
Spoken of a child who in feature aud disposition resembles its
ikther.
Of what use is beauty to a damsel living in retirement t
The well-ordered are wise ; the disorderly are fools.
Modesty is the ornament of a woman.
Thepraverb may be used of rox>deration generally and self-restraint.
87. ^L^^(meuirirpp ^(Lp<i<35fr6Si^iLi ld Qs^fTLLQeijrrjr.pp Q Lbeir QpLLmu ji
k dwarf without restraint — an unused tomtom — ht wanders about.
Used of one irrecoverably woi'thless
88. jyu/BdB/r^SF ufrLDi9!b(^ jrrr^fr ^isiSev^^i^^
A bamboo staff is the king of a vicious snake.
A diiiobedient wife is an evil both to Ler mother and to one's self.
Spoken of a person inimical alike to two parties.
A disobedient wife 'and a self-willed husband.
Said of uncongenial society.
Seize that which can be grasped, not that which cannot.
Aim at the practicable.
12 u ipQ iLir tfi.
Even tender creepers when united are strong.
He will speak abusively, but will not, come out.
They who do what they ought not, will suffer what they might
have avoided.
It sei'Tes him right.
A slap is a cake, a cuff is sweetmeat.
Spoken of one who is beyond ordinary diseipline.
Will an elder or younger brother aid one as effectually as dis-
cipliue or punishment ?
The more a ball is strucic, the more it rebounds.
Beware of a beating wind and of falling rain.
Beware of things bevond humfin control.
Does the beating wind fear the sunshine t
Spoken ol* irrelerant means to sabdne an eril.
fl ,11
100. •^9-«(5ii aurprSQeo <otQ^^^ ,^ppQeu€i^®LO,
Winnow while the wind blows.
One hand smites, the other embraces.
JDisoipliiie regulated by lore \ used sometirots of Divine chas*
tisenients
102. ^L^<3F^L^L^6»(mcn(oeir sjressrLD (SuirL-.eofrLafr ?
. Can one make a somersault in the bottom of a chatti ?
TAMIL FROVBBBS. 13^^
103. Sjij-flffi ©(i5«(gii (^t^^ft sh.(tp^^ui ^ff.
What he received for his labour (ploughiDg) only paid for the kauji
he drank.
104. ^l^^^U U(L^^^^Ui Uf^LUfT ?
Is that which ripens by force fruit ?
(A. fdf oui' done under constraint is no favoar.)
105. jy^-^^Ly ufr€\) Lj6SL-®Sp<iSfr ?
Is a child to be beaten in order to pour milk into its mouth ?
Neither the child that is unchastised, nor the mustache that i»
untwirled will be right.
Implying that due cait must be tzercieed to secure a desiderated
result.
107. Sju^^^^^iLL-m&sriSesrQesr QufP^^Co^ iStf-^^eSLLL^eueinSek
Though you may trust one who has administered correction, you
may not trust one who has betrayed yon.
108. jyz^/6/r«fi(?e\) /B^shm ^eSiBfrmQQeo jijiBir^npLbn' f
What ! is it nectar at the tip of the tongue while poison is at the root ?
Said of one, or to one whose professions are at Tariauce with liis
intentions «
Is the stem nochchi, and the top a castor plant ?
Intimating thab the same characteristics wili preTail in a family
or tribe«
110. ^i^uun-Qesreisr i9 if.u uirQ etsr eir ? ^L^^(^Qp edi^u9eo ^L-i(^
Why beat him, why seize him f we will subdue him by proper means.
'■ ■
Kven a grindstone will move under repeated strokes.
14 u tpQ iLir i^.
112. ^if-es)in ussii^^^fre\) ^eaeu^ «L-.6Jr.
It is the duty of one who- has a slave to employ hinii
113. ^i^iupp uS5srQufr6\) eQapi^nri^^
He fell as a palmira tree sievered from its root.
So perfect was his prostration. This m$j h% used of obeisati€e or
ruin.
114. ^u^iupp LnjrLDQufr(o(S\),
As a tree without root.
115. j>/i^iup(rif>GO ^<oS e9LpfrijbSQ^S(^LbJr f
If the root fail, will not the top fall ?
116. •gy^-UJ/r /5/r® uif-iufT^,
A province in which authority is not enforced will Adt submit,
117. ^l^lUfT^ LDfrQ Ut^lUfT^,
An unchastised bullock will not obey.
That which exists in the bottom is likewise in the middle and top;
119. ^^iLjiJO ulLQu L/syf?^^ LDfTsjiSmju/r ^<ck(Ssr(oeueijrQLD ?
And besides being beaten, must (one) also eat sour mangoes f
Spoken of something imposed on one who is already suffering
from questionable inflictions.
1-20. ^L^QiU&sr^ ^s3)Lo««Ly QuGssriSLir ^e^^y <^^ er^^Ssvr Ou€sst
Like saying to a man how many boys have you, and how many
girls, when he has not a wife to whom he can say, Adi.
121 • ^tf-^fresTLb £s^^^^fre\)j ^essr&ni— eff*Q ei]^S(mui.
If the horizon becomes black, the household of the fkrmbr will
begin to parch.
122. ^O^aSswi SiemppSQeo ^(tp^Ln erQffs^/rpQu/res)^
like the springing up of nectar in a kitchen weU*
TIMIL PROVERBS. l5
He says, to cook, there is a woman ; for outdoor work, a man.
Spoken of netilful help already at hand.
124. jy®<3fQ®/D ^065)Lo Q^ifliL^uifr ^^emu.^Qp fBinues(m P
Does the dog that breaks (fhe cooking pots) know how difficult it
is to arrange them ?
Used when a heedless clumsy person h<is disarranged or spoiled
some clierished work on which great pains had beeu bestowed.
Ud* ji/Q^^ &h^es}fr Q 6US1J 15135 ft e\) ^&ir <3h,€^rr<i^ (oLanr&^ui,
When a neighbour's roof is in flames one's own is in danger.
12o« jifQ^s^tsudoStds QdsQ<i<X€\}n'u^fr p
Is it right to destroy one's neighbour ?
Because his neighbour prospers he removes in th6 day-time i. e.
at once.
«ik—
He destroys those about him and robs those who fed hini.
129. ^Q^^ j>/Q^^^ Q^n-(^^<s\) Q^rr®^^ •srr/Flujih Qpi^iL^ih,
By continually urging, the work undertaken may be com-
pleted.
139. ^®^^i QmQuurr^ ^uu.m, O^nrQ^^i Q^Quli/t^ (SeuS.
A deceiver destroys when near, a harlot in contact.
131. ^Qji^ 6u/E^6u/r<i(^ ^^Jreii Q3=rr<^^Qeufr^ ^g^.
He is a teacher or spiritual guide who gives wholesome counsel to
those who resort to him.
132. jy®uu(5®cy Qea^QessFGSiiu msu^js ses)jK
A story about butter being placed near the hearth,
16 u ifiQ intr ifi.
Is ornamentation requisite in a hearth or fireplace ?
The needful is sufficient in common ihiugs
134. ^QuLj Q/BQ^uLjLD QufTiu eumu^^eQQtjCi Qunr^ar^^
No fire in the hearth} no bran in the mouth.
135. ^(BluLj €rif)fB<asfrev Qufrifl Quirif^u^LD,
Should the fire burn, you may parch grain.
- — • — i— -■
136* ^&nL^mQ^n-€if>fr ^^iB.
Take care of those who are under your protection.
A snake will bite him who removes a fence.
138. ^6w/_-LD«ntp<i(g6T7-(?6yr ^lir ^iLQ^i^iLu^Q^F^s^^Qurroo,
As a lamb died in heavy rain*
Said of one coming to grief from want of due care
Though the heavy rain is over, the dropping from the trees con-
tinues.
Though the greater evils have passed away, the lesser remain.
Though the spoiler is not upon us, .the ordinary imposts are de-
manded by men in power
140« j^L^L^in^^^ drewfl QlLl^ euiB^^Qufre\)*
As Saturn in the eighth sign approached.
Some person or thing ominous of OTil.
Saturn in the eighth sign will bring loss.
See the proceeding.
Saturn in the eighth sign seized, and stripped off even tho waiist-
oloth
TAMIL PROVERBS. 17
like borrowing Saturn in the eighth sign on intere&t.
144. jt/iLes)i^i(^LD ^Q^^QuQiSdSso, ^^Q<o^^(^tii ^rr^^^Qy!jle\)^.
Ihe leech is not satisfied, nor is fire.
Id ordinate desire is never satisfied.
145' jui—ss)L—eif)UJLJ i9i^^^ QiLi^esy^uSieo ein6U^^j^(Su(r€\),
As a reptile caught and placed on a cushion.
Said of a person in an unnatural situation.
146. ^LL63)L-e3)UJ (oT®^^ QlH^iSD^SeO Gn^^/SfT^Lb Q^^&D^^tU
Qiu /sfrQiD,
Although you take a reptile and place it on a cushion, it will seek
a heap of dried leaves. ,
147. j^i&sSeo <^p^iLl^ fsinu umruu^CSufreo,
As a dog looks up at a squirrel that has ascended and escaped hia
grasp.
A despairing look after a thing irrecoverably lost-
148. jii€s£pi9iQfr2siT^(j^ cP/5?(5 ^flQ^frf ^sssrtf^^Sl i9mh(Ti(^^
Does the squirrel lack the pulp of the young palmyra fruit, or the
child of a Sai va mendicant, rice I
To give to religious mendicants is held, by the Hindus gencrallji
to be meritorious'
149. Ji/^)i Lb'S/rQ in 0^(511 fr ui rr ?
Is an atom the great Meru ?
The sacred mountain Meru, forming the centre of the seven con-
tinents according to the Mythological geography of the Hindm ] it
appears to mean the highland of Tartary Lorth of the Himalaya.
AuL atom is become a mountain, a mountain an atom.
151. ^dssisr «L-/5^ Qen&reiTLCi ^(i^/Sfr^ih eUQ^LDrr p
Though one cry after it, will the flood that has burst its bund
return ?
2
18 u ifiQ LLir i^.
Kb a premonition, this proverb is nseJ to inculcate caution, and.
as a remark on misfortune, it suggests the uselessness of regret
Who can stop a flood that has burst its bund ?
Spoken of insuperable evils.
Whatever exists in the universe exists in the human body.
154. ^essru.^^^ ^6\)e\)fr^^th i9essTU-^^i\) s-essn^frf
Does that exist in the body which does not exist in the universe ?
The greater includes the lesser This and the preceeding proverb
really relate to the dialectics of the learned and philosophic schools.
Will a fruit be burdensome to Him who bears the universe I
Used when some favoar is sought of one who is known to possess
ample resources.
156. ^GssTi^y^iLCi i9€mi—(ipLb ^f5^jr!SJ^(ipLD Qeu&Fluj/riB<X(ipLD,
Of the universe and the body, the former is hidden, the latter open,
157. ^mri^rr^ i9u.irS) ^Q^^^i^ ^u.mi(^(sufr(crfr ?
Whom will the unapproachable demoness obey I
The term Pid^ri is generallj applied to a village goddess who is
regarded as an evil being
A quarrel in a neighbouring house is refreshing.
Spoken of envious persons who may be supposed to delight in a
neighbour's shortcomings or misfortunes
159. .^fiwrcwL- eff^iLQu ufnruufreir dFewrcwz— ^lLi^^ ^nruurresr.
The neighbouring Brahman will breed a quarrel and settle it-
Said of one who promotes evil in order that he may gain by it.
160. ^essT&siL^Sp ^u^ir^fiGsr ^ei>e\)frjs jrfr^fr6i]a(^ ^uSir^^ cu^/i.
Disgrace will attach to a king who has npt a competent person
near him.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 1$
1()1. ji/sxiTsm^nr ^w^ssnctdosrSeo ^str^ s^emeffsru (?iJ/r®(i7psrr,
She is going to eat rice in her elder brother s house.
162. ^sssr€SST^i^^^(s\) -%^ LDfT^th eufry^fb^fT^LD^ jy6wr«iaf?/iSi-,^
^€0 ^«D/r fBfTLBsms eufrLpe\)frLDfr ?
Although one may live six months with an elder brother, one
cannot abide with his wife even half an hour
The first condition is proverbially difficult, how maoh more so
the second?
If my elder brother has a daughter, my paternal aunt becomes an
alien.
164. jjfsssr&ssr^Ld ^un9itLjLo Q'S'^Lbu uemseair.
An elder and younger brother are natural (birth) enemies.
They are supposed to be subject to envy, jealousy and hatred
on account of the rights they inherit.
165. ^6JRn-635rS5W<£ Q^fTmp UL^y ^f5es}^u9(Sso ^fr^^^^QsiTefT^Slp j^
(Sufreo,
Like taking revenge in the market-place, or in the place where
the Vedas are readj, on account of an elder brother who has
been murdered.
My elder brother is superior, father, blow the fire.
Said whem an inferior is treated with greater deference than one
really entitled to distinction.
167. ^&kfrGfST<ssr OdSfrLbLf uubuip UGsrir^ai^
The horn of my elder brother is as soft (harmless) as a shiv^ed stick.
The foxes of a certain region familiar with the bare had, for a long
time, an idea that its fine long ears were formidable horns, and tUere-
fore kept aloof from it. At length an old fox proposed that they
should try to ascertain the nature of the extraordinary excrescences
on its head *, and suggested that some of their Qeighbours should be
iuTited to a feast. This was done *, and when all tilings were ready
the foxes led their guests into the festive hall snd they were seated
30 u rpQ LbfTLpl.
a fox and a hare alternately, at table. Dtiiing the feast pne of the
foxes profe9sing great admiration for Ibe fine horns of their guests,
l.iid his hand upon one and looking round uttered the Proverb. On
hearing this, each fox seized and devoured the hare next to him.
Whatever is left uneaten by my elder brother is an advantage to
my sister-in-law.
Elder brother and younger brother are still wanted, 0 God.
Should a teacher make a slip, it is attributed to his art.
Is the child of an ai-tist (a dancing- master) without money, is the
son of a barber in want of hair ?
172. ^60STi^<i(^Ui Q^IT69STmi-.lLlLCi ^SIjT ^S^L—^^^,
It obstructed the throat and the uvula so as to cause them ta
quake.
If the favour of Annimalai (Siva) b^ obtained, will the god Man-
ner pull out a hair ?
Safe as regards an inferior, if prote<2ted by a superior. -
The forms of worship prescribed for Siva are sixty- four ; whereas^
the seasons for feeding religious mendicanis are seventy-four.
175. ^^^ -^<55)dP «gy^« /5«^L_Lb,
Excessive desire entails excessive loss,
176. ^^^ 1^^^ ^(^L^^ifi^^jrih,
Expessive desire or greed ends in eight jfomi* ^poverty.
TAMIL PKOVERBS. 21
The eight forms of poverty are the ahsence or negation of the
eight sonrceft of fruitioD or enjoymeot. These are Oudbr women ;
^ML. apparel; ^cs^ssoak jewels; Quf^smth food; 0ifih^9oih
betel; uifiiACTii^ perfumes; uac(B songs; ^iu>sA reclining on
flowers.
117, ^Q'SfTiFlu^LD ^SeoujirifliLiLD G^&fr(aj>^&), eQtf^iLjLDiLQLb ^^t^e\)irui.
If the chief and headman are united, stealing niiay be carried on
till day-break.
178. ji/^'OBfTifl sfftLi^e^) ^(Wft^^ ^'3i'Ssoujirifi efftL.tf.GO esiea^^^Quireo,
As one placed in the house of the headman what he had stolen in
the house of the chief.
Said of a thing done nnwittinglj.
179. jij^iSfrS) effiLQti QsnTLBnpiLeisiL^ (^£f.ujfr<ssreu&ir effu.(Sl ^loi£
An egg obtained from the house of the chief will breakthe grind-
stone in the house of the peasant*
laiplyiag that authority imparts to the insignificant overwhelming
j)0wer.
A short thick person favoured by fortune.
181. ^P^.i-ii ^(nfiuu QuQ^r^Sp^^
Fortune flows as a river.
182. ^^'si^L^LD ^(T^fB^rrev ^jrair u^ssraRn-^somh,
When fortune smiles one may reign as a king.
183. ^^6!^i^LD ^isv(5\)rr^<su^i(^ii ^seouun^ euiflfr^^th] ^ssy/StLjui
Although the unfortunate gets a large measure of milk, the cat
will lap it all up.
Destiny prevails to thwart benefits when one is unfortunate.
When touched by the fortunate even earth becomes gold.
22 utfi'Qinrri^.
185« 'J^Qjf j^i^^ifiiri^^ ^Qjr eQSsfriqtii.
If thoroughly ploughed, the yield will be abundant.
This is stranger than that, and that is stranger than this* .
187. ^pCJoV (giSSip<F^ev ^6\)2sd ^LLu.u.rr u^^iriB,
0", priest there is no lack, proceed with the ceremony.
Said to a Pujtfch^ri by way of encouragement.
188. «^^ ^/^P(S ^(3 ^^^} ^fufreii^^ (sriLQi dBeuSso.
Each object is attended by a single anxiety, whereas the master
has eight*
' ■ ■ ■
189. ^^ efev6U/r/i ^^eistt^iL® eurr (sr^ufr<sir^
He will eat it all and say come.
Did the money, diverted from the object for which it was given,
avail for the purchase of a sickle I
May you hereafter weep because that also is too little I
Like calling a coward a fearless hero*
Said of false adulation.
193. ^ef^^eQiLL^fre^Lb «^a9«i)SiO, ^ULfpLbQufTf^^LD €Ui^uSe\iSs\),
If that is renounced there is no help, if you go further there is no
way.
Spoken of evils from which there is no escape.
194. ^^^LD LS(^^u9^e\) ^evs\)(o6Ufr ^ldulLl^gst Quesar (S^lLS
It is by reason of his great wealth, is it notj that the barber
asks a maiden in marriage I
TA^IL PBOTEBBS. 2S
Although she put in so many ingredients, she omitted salt.
Said of something complete in all but ove essential.
196. jy^^/ToJr Q^^^^irm LCio9jrfr6=ary awueSi QiD^etn^ ibil^^it
My brother-in-law's death has not affected me any more than the
loss of a hair; but his blanket and mattress have become mine.
197. jii^^isir<si^\uij iSlLLQuufrir^^/reVj ^ikj(^u^ ^iEa(^ui.Qufr<c^errGO,
If you break open a fig, you will see cavities here and there.
198. -^^p y^^^^^Qurreo ^(i^^Sip^ ^o/eir euik^^.
His coming is like the flowering of the fig-tree.
Something that never happens*
The more a fig is opened, the greater will be the number of worms
found.
200. j^^^ui^es)6iJ ^ir ^/iS(SUfrnr<35(5rr ?
Who ever saw the flower of a fig-tree ?
Are there any who have seen the blossom of the fig-tree I tare
there any who have seen the young of an owl ?
Said of things that rarely or never happen.
202. ^^^iLfT^Qeo O<sfr^0luj s<oSQu!Te\3,
Like fruit sticking to a fig-tree.
203. ^^^ t£/iSluQufr(^ek, i9^^iQktretr<s^ ^&esr. .
He transgressed and became mad.
*04. ^^esi^Sf^ iS(ssia=Qp^^^frp SppuufT (st^mcorriD,
Should the mustache of erne's aunt grow we may call her uncle.
Referring to improbable contingencies,
r
24} ULpQtLfTlfi.
205. ^IB^LCi S\lh^S5TeU^i(W^ «^iP(5 9QS(S>^^ ?
Will beauty emanate from one void of symmetry ?
206. ^iB^0SSTir<i(^^ ^SsiRrr Qeu^ih,
The Veda is the staff of the Brahman*
207, ^k^GSsrHr iLdosruSip ^/b^ssrui LD«jafr«(-^ii,
The house of the Brahman is perfumed*
It being a reqaisite for ceremonial usages.
208. ^iB^jr^^€\) (S^frev er/jSH^ ^m^sskQufre)),
Like a blind man who has thrown his staff into the air*
If white-ants take wing in the evening, it prognosticates excess-
ive rain.
210» ^fB^ LbCSiip ^(Lp^fT^LD effi-zr^,
• The evening rain will not cease even if one should weep.
I am become as useless as a grain of paddy eaten by insects.
212. ^uu<3'Q (3F^^LD>(Ssyu^\u6F ^uuu i9isirSsir QppjiS&fr Q^iBJ^Bmud^^m
While the father is sacking the husk of the cocoanut his son is
crying for the kernel or pulp.
Indicating desires beyond on«'s means.
213. ^uu<fS Qs/reuessr^Gsy^u UQ^m^ 0^fr&fsrQu.fr(Sl8p^, iSfftrSofr
While the hawk snatches away the fathers waist-cloth his
daughter is crying for a silk dress.
Sjiid in reproof when wishes are entertained hejond one's means.
How did you bake the cake ? how did you sweeten it ?
TAMIL PROVERBS. 25
Cakes are baked in a chatty, steeped rice is flattened in a mortar.
Means must be suited to the end.
If bread, is it necessary to break and prove it I
217. ^uu^ ^(TE<ss)Ui ^uu&sr LjbfrmrL^rr&) O^idiLjLo^ SL.uulo'or ^r^
The value of a father is known after his decease, that of salt when
exhausted.
The father is crying for rice and his son is performing the cere-
mony of giving a cow at Kumbhak6nam.
218. jyuLVoir OufiiiususisT^ Sppuurr a^.^iLQ^^ Qr5(7EULj<i GdCTsrwrS
eufT (brssr}^p^QuT(oV,
Like saying, my father is a great person, uncle, bring fire to light
my cigar. ,
Pride of wealth leads one to neglect the ohservauce of established
social rules.
220. ^uunr ^&srQ!fe\) fi_^S (^eifl(f^LDrr?
If one exclaim, alas ! alas ! will the crown of the head become cool ?
Expressions of sympathy are ana\ ailing if not associated with
real help
221. ^UlQlUfTdFLb 6k.^ITeQ^<oS)^.
Experience is knowledge that maketh not ashamed.
222. jijuiSiufT^ eQ^^D^^^ ^i^iGi^ @a)Sso.
Thoroughly acquired knowledge does not fail.
Said in commendation of (obvious efficiency.
223. jyLD(J5^ ^cmQi^fT (^uLjfBfT\Li<%3i(Sfr erskufrXoesrsoT ?
Why ask of the military officer if there is any compulsory serTice ?
Why gratuitously seek avoidable evil ?
26 uifiQih/r y9«
224. ^LLrruiL^m i^fTSuuiL^LDy Si^essruiL^HJb ^iQeouiLiFLD,
The latter and former halves of the moon — ^its dark and bright
sides.
These symbolize tli« light and darkness, ih« gladness and s«d«|
nesB of human life.
-*m
225. ^/LbffH(s^s ^uQjrth Qujrylh,
Quietness is worth thousands of gold, !
226- ^LJbir^^^<i(^iii aiTesdfl QeuGssru-irLD^ ^Lbir^^^i^us ^iTesJA
An oppressor and a clever man need no landed property.
227. ^u^rreufrs!D<s'<i S0dS3B6Q(oe\) Qu(fh<9^^nr(sifl (Sufr(S5rQ^€0€\)rrLD &iip>
In the darkness of the new moon the bandycoote finds a way
wherever he goes*
228. ^LD/Tei//r63)<FzJ U(m^<o(s>^ erme^pm(^Ui ^<3suuQtbfr f.
Is the food peculiar to the new moon to be had every day t
229. ^Qp^u^ ^-€mQp eufTiurreo oSs^ii s^emu/r/rdSisrrrr I
Will poison be received by the mouth accustomed to nebtar ?
The arrogance of a barber and the aflfectation of a washerman*
Said when inferiors give themstelres airs of importance*
231. ji/LDUL-L^eir (^u&nusinuj'i Qen/Si^e^ LLvQiir u^uSjrrrdju Lfpuu®La,
If the 1 ubbish heap of the barber be stirred, nothing but haii
turns up.
The more yon examine an inferior thing, the viler will it appear
232. ^liiUiLi—m i9efrSsir'i(^ ldiSit ^qf^^^fresSiufr 7
Is hair a i are sight to the child of a barber I
233. j^Lbue\)^ ^(Lg<o^^ ^iDus\)^^p SlL^fb^frer) erskesr^ ^(Si^/b ^(:\
What matters it whether the helpless ass lies in an open place o
in the adjoining palace.
TAMIL PROVIBBS. 27
He is aiming to conceal the rumour which is to be brought before
the public assembly (for discussion.)
As boiled rice tied up for a journey is untied in an open place.
236. ji/u)ue\)^^e\) QuitfSl ^s8tpi<3Be\) ^<35ir^.
It is not good to unpack in an open place
Unnecessary exposure of one's personal affairs is to be avoided.
III * ■ ■ I I 11 <
237. ji/ihurresdH ss)^^^^(ourrsou Qu^SlQif&r^
He speaks like piercing arrows.
238. ^ihiSQdsrremQ ^^ ^L^uQufr/Ty itUii^iQ^iTemQ fBifleufr^v
Will those who cross the river on a raft entrust themselves to the
tail of a jackal 1
239, JJLOLnGRfr(ipLD ^<5Sr(SSr^L£i ^lLI<3^UlfllUfBfiLbn- ?
Are nakedness and misery to continue to the end of life I
Is a veil necessay for a woman in a bad condition I
The father-in-law and son in-law are slaves in the same house.
2. jytiLo/reir L£i<9S(er^'35(^ npe^piuir p
Why enquire after the relationship of the daughter of one's mater-
nal uncle T
Having to chastise a maid-servant in a father-in-law's house, is it
necessary to ask the chief permission to do so ?
. Whether is stronger, the grindstone or she who grinds ?
28 ULpQlhfTLfi.
245. ^3y<i/i? L^Q^jfj ^/(r^ifi^ uirir^^^Qufr^,
Like oue standing on a grindstone and looking at Arundalhi.
AritTidathi is a star in the Great Bear regarded as the wife o(
Vasishta, a pattern of' chastity. This star is pointed out to ihi
bride at the marriage ceremony.
246, ^ldlBiSq^ib^ ^jT^dssr ^sffluurrerr.
She will bring forth a king on the grindstone.
During the time of child-birth it is not uncommon for the moilieri
to be seated on a grindstone.
247. ^LDlBiLjLC) (^tpsQlLfLO ^^/nU^^<S\) Upi3i^Q<^y (5T'3F&p <5B(^25l^ ©T
€sri(m <ST(5sr<osr lj^Q (st (sisr Qrj> pQ u !T <5\) ,
As a leaf-plate sought advice when the grindstone and its roller
were flying in the air.
If a thievish woman eat the cream will there be any butter 1
249* ^iLL<ots)Lb^(m ^L£iir<is<orrLD OurrtEiQu UQS)L^\Ljiki^&T,
The strife of Ammai, (a village goddess) has begun, boil and
present (rice.)
250. ^/Ld^i^Lniurrir ^uGufrng^ ^ireufre'rr ? ^^Lbu&fl (otuQuirag^ /Buia
When will my mistress die I when shall I get her blanket T
251. ^/iii6>r>LCiUj!rir j^jrpQp ,^^<3S(mih, Qujrm aiLQSp ^/«D/r(^TU
The yam spun by the old dame will only just sufRce to fom
waist-string for her grandson.
252. ^ti)<S3)Louj/r/r QujpiQp^ ^ss^ir^i^a^, /sSso SesifrssSp^ npS3ofT}
Three fourths of a cash is demanded for shaving the head of ai
old woman worth only half a cash.
253' ^^iCiSSiLn{Ufrrri(^ (srmGsr ^s^th^ .«/5OT)^;^ ^lisia.
What sorrow has the old dame T that of raggedness.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 2&
254* ^iLS^DLCiUJjQjr eu/rnFLDy QLpsuSssT'i «o65<sQd5/r(orr(25Lb.
Come, old lady, and receive the old man.
255. ^iu€\)frir £_t_62D/L£)i(^^LJ Quajiriuij up<iS(yrf><dir,
He flies at his neigUbours' property as a demon.
256' ^lueviT/r ^L_<oy)L-.<o^Lbn3i(5d ^ib^^(5srQuiT(s\) ^(5.
Be blind as regards your neighbours' property.
No one escapes the decree of Brahma.
The writing of Brahma will not fail in the least.
Even the Airai (small as it is) will giv« itself airs if it be not
mixed with the food.
Beauty in the unworthy is poison in a casket of fine gold.
As God measured.
Is Appaiyangar the dispenser of Aiyavaiyar's gruel I
Whether is greater as regards merit, to say Hara, Hara, or to give
to the mendicant T
What matters it whether a demon or a man rules T
To play draughts without a board and to speak without a know-
ledge of the shasitr9>3 are alike,
I
30 u ifiQ mir i^,
266. ^jr<s'<ssr ^GfrsQ/b(^ (QTjBp^,
It reached even the king.
A country without a king, a family without a head.
The sky is the witness regarding the king's property.
269, ^ir3=&T M^j^ QdBfrio^jLby Q^iLKSUtii iS&sr^ Qstrso^io,
The king kills at oncej God delays and kills.
270. ^ir^<oir i9seo<sQ<ak(DLD6V si^iB <3s/nu<35Sp^ <oT&ir(nf>ev, Q^rr^^ ^^^'^
jriii qSsu ^ii9jrih (oT&iru mi's err.
If it be reported that brinjals are growing on a stone in the king's
courtyard they will say that the outcome is thousands of
bunches and thousands of clusters
271* ^iT'S^&sr (oTuui^Qiufr ^uui^Qiu (^i^<%isfr.
As is the king such are hi& subjects.
272. j>j!r^<ssT <oTeu<S)JL^ (mi^S(m)^ j^/GueuiB,
The people follow the lead of their ruleri
27S. ^JTdPek euL^uuiLt^^ ^euissfl.
It is the earth i. e., its^ inhxihitanU that follows the king.
274» j^!r<5F<5iir euLfiuuL^rr^eusir ^a^Sso.
No one is exempt from duty to the king.
As regards the king it is a word, to the subject it is a burden.
The fear of the king among those in power operates auspecioush
ad regards the poor.
277. jy/r«FjjQ/<i(g^ ^dsssT euiueu/rear.
The help of a king is his mighty sword.
TAlflL PROVSBBS. 31
A king and a snake are alike»
219. ^jr^^Lb jt/ifi6j;jLD <y/fl.
A king and fire are alike.
280. ^irS'^lb Q/BQ^ULjlXi UITLDLjLCi «F/0.
A king, fire- and snake are alike*
Like losing a husband through trusting in a king.
282. ^ir3^<i(^ ^6\)SsO^ QjpJ€if)LDtL]LD OuQ^S^iblLfLD,
A king observes not the distinction betweeu little and great.
285. ^jr&^6S)i—UJfr2ssr ^^muu^ «/r«^Lb,
The heavens guard the king.
284. 3iiressrL-.6ii&r &GSiff^^^(^ (^(nFfGssTi—^ eTt\)evfrui Quiii^
To the eye of the timid every thing obscure is a demon.
285. jjir^ssi^ ^JTLL ^jrj/^^Lby euu9fr/s&D^ euu9jrLD jy^<*(^zi.
A file wili cut a fi e, diamonds cut diamonds*
An Aiyampettah pony is preferable to an Arab steed
287. j^jr6u^6S)^<i smTL-freo Sifl eQQibfr ?
If a mungoose see a siiake will it let it escape !
The distinction of big and little does not apply to snakes.
Kot an atom will move without the permission of God.
290, ^jr&r ^Q^eir ^p(ffeo^ ^dssreuQ^Lo ^pqtj^k.
Should the favour of God fail, every one will come to nought.
*91. jjf/fl ^/fl <sfGsr(itfeOy jrirubir jrnrinrr €T&a'S(np€ifr^
If I say Ari; Ari; he cries Bama, Rama.
32 ULfiQ Lhir ^.
292. ^'fl ^ekSp ^ajafLiTLL O^iflfE^frex) ^p,^frinj> ueisTetPfrsvirui,
If one uDderstand the import of the word Ari, he may exercise
regal power.
' "-I »
293. -3y/f5 (oTmSlp j^iSiifLirui Q^iP,!B^rr<s\) ^^dsSjcbth ueiiTessre^iTLLii f
May one transgress the bounds of propriety if he comprehend.4
the purport of the syllable Ati I
If one says Ari the Saiva mendicant is angry, if one says Ara the
Vaishnava mendicant is angry.
295, ^flS j>]GfT's^€sr s/r<i<sinrtuQu/rso,
Like a crow that has taken up rice.
Though there be only one £lak of rice, three supporting points in
the hearth are required.
Alak"* a small measiue of capacity.
— I T r n I I I I
If there be rice there will be order — ^Iionour also, if a sister exist
a brother-in-law may.
298. Jy/fi^ ^zp«<»/r (g)j^{i j^QuLj y:^esr^.
Though there be only one ulak of rice, three supporting points in
the health are required.
An ulak is two dlaks or tbe fourth of a measure.
299. Jy/fi^ sresr^ ^(Sfreflu ufrrruun-Q^ui ^e\)2si)^ S-lS ert^jr)/ smQu
No one takes up riefe to examine it, nor does any one blow upon
chaff.
300. -5y/fi^ QiBiremQ ^^emcssT ^^^/rerr effiLQi^u (SurreunrCoeoreir ?
Seeing you have to pay for the rice you eat why go to th© hovM
of your elder sister ?
TAMIL PROVERBS. S3
Water in a pot proportioned to the rice, and a display of authority
in a husband suited to his condition
Does hatred against rice or a husband exist T
393. ^iflSu Qurr^iLfi^m ^(n^eufr^ir^
Tiruvaroor with a bag of rice.
Spoken of a double beaefik — the grain if vahiable, and a Tisil to a
sacred place is aaspicious-
304. ji/if)^ mpfb^ 2_Sso<i(5 s-zJLy (srmesr p
Of what use is salt in a pot of boiling water without rice I
395. jyrf3<^<F/5Sir<s3r effiLQds^ ^Q^^ q?®.
His house is next to Harischandra's.
Used iroDically of a notorious liar. Harisohandra, a king fam^d for
Teracity •
336. jy/fl^ ^^31 <Ji/<^^<^Qp^^ fi_6ror/r^6V.
It is difficult indeed to comprehend the purport of the five lettew.
The famoua five lettered incantation eall«d the (t^eouiffiinh aa
being the foundation of all spiritual wisdom and all religion, and the
means preseribed and proper for obtaining emancipation from birtfaa
and all the evils thereunto belonging, and union with the supreme*
307, jy/f?^j5/ (oTiflmQp &^ui9<i(^ <^^^ ^/ros^eu ^^GssTL^rr ?
Is tax levied on dry twigs scraped together for fuel f
308. ^fluj <3'fFinh ^iB^jr^Q^fSliB^ «^,
The precious body is a stone thrown into the a{^..
Having performed difficult things he islanders about alarmed at
that which is easy.
310, ^ifitL^ih Qeu^Ld g^sJrjj/^ ^6i)e\) €r(Ssr®p<siiQir euiruQeo LbGssr^
Vishnu and Siva are Qjae ^ liet sand be put into the j^aouih of him
who denies it.
3
34 UipQiniTL^.
The sickle must be moved> and the landlord's family mui»t be
ruined.
Is it attempted to remove the heat of a burning fever as if it were
that of a sickle I
313. jy.fleii/rerr SrjpiiQ^ ^if)€iiiefr(tp.25sr ^(m-iQ<£,
Was it the dexterity of the reaper, or the sharpness of the sickle.
Success in an enterprise is mainly owing to the means employed.
314* jy/f?65)6ii QiorrL^ QsiLL^rre\) ^u^^^ ^eutrehr^
He who listens to the words of a woman will be accounte«l
worthless.
Although the fruit of the wood-apple tree (Feronia elephantum)
close by ripens, bats will not approach it.
The haughty dame is said to have brought forth a monkey chill
She who was a precious pearl has become black as coal.
318. ^Q^^^n-u^GsSiuir (ipQ^issmy^eiJfr p
Is it a rare gem or a Murukkam flower ?
319. ^(jf^mjQ^(T<ss)L-.^ ^Q^LDLf ^psiiuQuir(^^,
Through severe drought every blade has perished.
Divine favour is common to all, material wealth is not.
321» ^q^^t^ujrQua ^(f^^ihuirih,
A cloth tinged red indicates the divine favour.
Eefers to the dress of religions mendicants.
TAllIL PBOVIfiBSt. 35
iii' ^n^esiin ^^ojir^eu&ir ^etkfrQ ereir^sr^ LniremQ et&tresr ?
What matters it whether he who has no discrimination itiles or diest
If it must be so, let the head of my son-in-law go ; but the old
mortar must not go.
Said of things which long possession has made pecuHarljr precious.
324. jiKj^'^miupp effiLuf-GO er (j^emu^u^Lc^ (Q^f-uS ir ir ^ ,
Even a. buffalo will not abide in a house where it is not regarded*
The drinking of water from a hill reservoir will at once produce
disease.
326. jf(f^eir CSeu&piiJDy QufTq^&r Qgu^ilDj ^L-<i<35ii (Seu^^ih,
Kindness, wealth and self-restraint are essentials.
327. j^ssyfrd5^rrsr<i(^ ^ifiisfi apLf ^u9jfiiiQu!T&r Q'S/rQ^jS/r^iik
Chastity forfeited for half a cash, cannot be recovered though one
should give thousands of gold.
328. jy«»/r«i«/r^<igLJ Qufresr ubrresrui ^u9jruy Q<xfrQji^fr^LD euirjnr^^
The honour that has been forfeited for half a cash, will not return
though one give thousands. ^
329. ^GRir^Q^Lb ^ik^QSTLb j^^(ssr LD^smui •Sy(^js/.
Though sandal wood be rubbed, its fragrance will not be destroyed.
The water in a pot half full wabbles, if full it wabbles not*"
As one leaped over an Erukku leaf^ GaMropU gigantea, under
which he had concealed half a challii
A challi is a small co))per ooin, a fractional pari of a larger coin.
36 u LpQ LDfri^.
332. ^eif)rr^&2isi) ^lLl-.^ gjo^a^g ^u<3FfTjribiT P
Is the hand to be complimented for tying the waiat-cloth f
333» ^e7)T^Q<Ffrp Q<3B!r€mQ juLLuei)LD ^pevfrCSiDir ?
Can one go before an assembly with half a word ?
»
534. j>f9nrr^Q<Ffrp QsfreifrQ juldusvld <^/6l^€\)^ ^ef^fr^Q^rrev QfiQ£^
Half a word admitted into the assembly becomes a whole word.
335. jifmn^^ uiu^ Qp^r^^rrpQun-ed,
As if macerated gram should sprout.
After grinding the stone remains; after shaving the head, the
kudumi Ituflj of hair) remains.
A tuft of hair left on the head of a boj or lawn with a knot at the
end It ig coosidered becoming ; and is usually about a foot fn length.
Having given half a fanam to weep, why give a fanam Xer eease T
Fanam — a small coin of gold or silver.
338. ^efyaruuem^sF Q^su^bld ^^^ld ^jr^Ui^ssr6= (S^msubQiLkireo
Though the service bring half a fanaip, will it be equai to"
service in the king's house ?
339* ^sv)frLJU€mLD OmirCSli^u ufrevLDfrplj ^ldu^ Qurr&sr QdsfrQ^j^^
A story of one who gave fifty gold pieces for a compound medicine
after having hesitated to give half a fanam.
Sores about the waist; and debt to one's neighbour i^e both bad.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 37
UU jifcinfreQ^vff)^ QsirefkfrQ jaLbue\)LD ^^@60 ^€^frsQ^€Si^ QPQf
If one goes before an assembly with half learning will it become
perfect I
When he went to his elder sister's wearied and exhausted, it is
said that she sent him to his brother-in-law*
When will the wares be still, when will he wash his head ?
344. •flySs^) Qwir^LDQutrQ^ ^2so (Lp(j£(^Sp^.
Bathing in the midst of beating waves.
Said of attempting to do a thing ander adToise circumstauccs.
Like a straw on a wave.
346. jy6V6\)««/rzJ_® /sS u6v2feo<i sfnLQSp^Qu/roi^
Showing his teeth like a jackal of the ginger fields.
Said of GDC who shows signs of disappointment.
As vice wanes, virtue waxes.
The bitter tears of the oppressed are a file that wears away tbe
wealth (of the oppressor.)
349. ^e\)e\^^ ^pp u(9«g?D« ^LfiS^iih -sy^^g,
A bed free from anxiety is the most agreeable of all things.
350. jyffusv^ jy(5syr/r$ir6i//r/r<i®6\)3so.
The kind-hearted are free from sorrow.
351. ^€\)Goeo ^(7^i35frc\)L£i O^euQ/LD ^(^sfredih,
A time for adversity, and a time fbr prosperity.
38 utfiOLbtr^.
352. ^i^^fr^eu&fr eufrSe^ setr^ euirHr,
Pour toddy into the moutli of the wicked.
Add fatl to tlie fire
353. ^^^fr^ eUiSfUir^ Qufr(m&r fPU^L^eo ^sfrmih -^iu^^e\) @€9)a>
Ill-gotten wealth and illicit pleasure are both bad,
354. ^€\)e^th U^^lh ^rLpS£5pi <«a),
study day and night to be free from impurity.
355« ^fi/«/L.ii ^^err(oir€um ^^©d/ld ^/iSujn-^,
A wily man does not know the value (of friendship^
356. ^su^GSsri<35frjr^ ^sfr^LnnrmfrGsr^
The viciouB will evaporate into thin air.
357. ^eii^rr^srrjr^^(^u lj^^ ldlLQ,
The hasty are deficient in sense
358. ^ei]6=jr^(o£EfreoLD ^en-Gt?!^ Q^(Si^<s>SiQp(5sr,
^ For hasty ornamentation I take up and sprinkle.
359. ^su^jF^^e\) ^.u&'irjriLir P
Is ceremonious behaviour demanded when one is in a hurry ?
360. ^eUfSFjri^fb(^u utguld @^Ssi),
A thing done in an emergency is not criminal.
When in haste the hand will not enter even into a large
chatty.
» III
She is inclined to play the harlot, and is afraid that her husband
wiU beat her.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 39
The mouth of the harlot is large, and the bubbling of five or sir
grains of rice when boiling is excessive.
The harlot has uo oath, the thief has no god.
Spoken of one wholly derelict.
365. jy®/*^7/f? ^L^^^^ui ^Qssi^L^LCi (Seu^mGlLD ^0£— L/ Quir^^th
If one plays the harlot fortune is wanted, and when one goes to
steal ability irs needed.
€ujrev/rL£i/r ?
As an abandoned woman one may ride on an elephant, but can
one go along a street as a thief f
367, ^€U^i^jrih /S6sr<i(^ jy/B^iTLD,
Chicanery ends in one's ruin.
368. 4y€w^«gz^«Q^«i OjsBUJ'SuCoLn ^dssvr,
God himself is the help of a familj' in extremities.
369. jfeu^^^i^^LD ^Loir^js^i(^u:i arressfl <9E6>ocw ^6vSa?.
The worthless and the cheat have no need of land.
0-
Time is better spent in austerities than in vanity.
371. ^euLCitresrihuessTGsS Oeu^&^LDfresTLo Qu3rQ(ff&ir*
Having acted reproachfully he speaks flatteringly.
He is surely as sharp as the edge of a sickle,
Sjiokeu ii'onicftlly of a man of vain pretensions.
313. jy6W05«»)[_«j ©/D(5 Qp/Sm^QuirSp^.
Hia wing is broken*
40 UifiQ LUfT^.
Each one s mind is the witness thai acquits or condemns.
375« ^eunr ^euir ereimesisr^esipB ^emi^eunr ^fSeuirir^
The supreme Eulef knows the purposes of every one.
The circular curls of an uglj horse are not examined.
^»i_a^^^^te
377. ^6ue>dLbinu euir^u&iGff &'€U6\)LDfnu^ ^treuirm.
He who leads a useless life will die a miserable death.
878. jycuSso iSSssr^^ &.jr2iso ^t^^^irpQuirts^,
As if one beat an empty mortar thinking it contained unhuskcd
steeped rice.
Spoken of absence of mind.
i^_>^->MikM«>
379. J>iei5etr uirQSp^ ^u9eo ^h,6ij8p^(oufre\) ^(w^^^p^*
Her singing is like the voice of the kuyil (an Indian cuckoo.)
380. ^euGir e'Lbir^^u uirdssr ^i^Seo £-63)l_/5^^.
Her best cooking-pot was broken in the middle of the road.
381. ^6W,g2/<i(g ^euek Gr(ipfB^Q^iB^ SL.Gsarurr&sr^
This person will rise and eat before him.
382. -^eu§pis(mm dSLJuu.frekith ^evSsu QeviLQis^^iLjLb ^iv2sO.
He has neither a cloth nor a knife.
Said of one ntterly destitute.
383. -3^eu ^ii(^9fTQ(oir ^suuiLi^Q^'iSpjp otcst i9es>ipuLf.
That which is in his keeping is my livelihood.
384. jya/,g2/«(5<^ ^sSsr^&r\<F j^i^iSp^,
He is now under the auspicious influence of the planet Yenua.
Spoken of one who is the favourite of fottuno.
TAHIL FBOYEUBS. 4rl
The intimacy or friendship of these two persons is that of the
buffalo.
386. *Mfeu^€ir)L^aj Qu^Oi^ mirpQ^iren^Lti ^Gnfr^rQ^/rev^m,
flis speech consists of quarters and halves of words.
Undecisire.
His prosperity is scattered like crabs from a broken yessel.
388. jue^jQesr ^eiiQesr €T&sru<ss)^<5BL^^ SenQosr SsuQssr ermSp^
It is better to cry Siva, Siva, than opprobriously to reproach others.
389. ^euQ&sr QeuLLLsijLD eaSi—a^ti* mk^s^&sr^
He has authority both to. behead and to release.
390. jya/Ssar jyaiear Qu&'SlLQu Qu^ar eu/rikQ, j^^s^ub ui(S\)6\^fi'^^r
Having fished out his secrets by cunuing he turned him upside
down as a turtle is turned.
He cannot equal him though he raise himself to the top of a ladder.
Said of oue who \a far inferior to auolher either socially or intel-
lectually.
392. ^SU&fT fBfT ^S3><F»L/ /S/T® JU€S)<!FtLfLCi,
When his tongue moves the country moves.
393. ^suek ^0Grr j^pQYfed ^P/svtsuq^ld ^PQjf^y ^zuek ^(n^etr s_^
Without his favour all are destitute, if he favour, all are prosperous.
Said of Gou*s grace and displeasure.
He is a cold firebrand.
Said of a person reallj dapgerous though npparentlj not so.
42 ULpQiniTiB^
395. ^€U€vr lS^^^ ^L^^^eo ljsv^ld ^fr^ir^.
Even the grass under his footsteps will not die.
Used when speaking of one remarkable for gentle habits.
396. jya^sJr iS^^^ Ml^^ upsSGiuifl@€kp^^
The place whereon he treads bursts into flames.
Spoken of the reckless and violent.
397. ^eussr QiD^fl aif^i^iS^^Qesr Qu^&tisfrjreir,
His words exceed all bounds.
Said of one who delights in abusing otherM^
398. ^GiJ^r srr€\)/r6\) ^l1l_ QeuSsoesiiui einsiufrev 0<yuJsw/rocrr,
The work that was indicated by the foot he will perform by tho
hand.
399* jysi^oir <Ffr^ er/B^u lj^^ ^evii eriis^ j^^frjrQimfr ^^^siresf
The devices of lis caste and habits of his tribe will predominate.
400. ^eu^hr e»irs^ire\) Q^i^kps^^fBk sy)<3oUJfr6\) ^^^^sisk^u^rr^.
That which he tied with his foot cannot' be loosened by the hand.
Spoken of one of superioi skill
Unless he move not an atom will move
402. ^<3ijm ^(sum €Tem€Ssr^<osy^s ^emu-eu^ ^^S^^lo -^*("5
Every man's purpose will be either effectuated or frustrated by
the Supreme Ruler.
403. ^euek «(it^^^65(g« 65^^ ^iL(S)Q(ff6ir,
He is sharpening a knife for another's throat.
His mind is full of sores, his body is covered with blisters.
TAMIL PEOVIRBS. ^i
To me he is Saturn in the eighth sign.
The most malignant of enemits*
406. ^eki&fT Q^n-^^ ^^peuiTi^^ Qstr^ic^ Ln5sr(n/>(SlSQy€lfr^
He seeks friendship and prays for a skin.
407. ^suek ^&fr^(S&) ^/rek QdnLu-ires) jyoir^afi er^€$r QsSFiueuTtk?
What can his teacher do if he ruin himself ?
408. jya/eJr 45/r€V/r6U SjSssres)^ ibit&st isrreijfres) ^i^iS(Spsi/r,
What he has scored with his feet I efface with my tongue.
409. jyewesr e_<S3ri^« Qefr(^&SeDir(SujJ ?
Do yon consider him as a green-herb nipped off ?
He took another's hand and struck his eyes
411. ^lousisr &pQ<s»edfTLj upQS)(SU^
He is a bird without wings
He is preparing to cook my head.
413. ^lea&sr ^susk Q^iu^ eQdssr j^6ij(55r ^loU^^Q^,
Erery one is responsible for his own actions.
414. ^eu^ cTsiTSsjT ^sa^u upi<%i^.i<s>Lj uiriiQ^jifsifr^
He aims to scatter me to the winds.
415. ^sueir crif^OufriflQiuek^ 6G^S(rr)>eir,
He breaks out saying burn him, fry him.
Said of one who soddeulj bursts into a rage
416. aysweir ^ij^uurri^ /Bm^(S(SV ^i^iEiQ<^sk,
Having run and sung, he at length sank like the pulse.
He is the raan who encountered and fought the champion.
44 u ifi Q infTi^^
418. ^^f^r Qsrr^fS^ui^sfT&flujfr ?
Is he a man of limited wealth ?
Spoken of a sIoTeiily miser.
419. ^€UfriB^!r^^(S\) ^iSi^ Up^LbfT ?
Can fire be kindled in mid-air ?
No, except bj the Almighty ** who holds tht lightning in his
hand and tells it whom to HCrike/'
420. ^S^^^ uiuj)/ QLfidoiT^^ 65^^Gu/reo,
Like the story of the germination of boiled peas.
Better is the hatred! of the wise than the friendship of fools.
422. ^eQip (oTmssr O^tuiLfLb ^^^i- Qenarii Q&'ilulild OurrnF&r <srehr€gr
What can rice do ? it can work the five senses, what can wealth
do ? it can subdue the worid.
423* ^s^euS^Lc^ ^Q^eueisr ^<5S)euu9^Ln ^^fjReum^
One who belongs to this convention and to that convention.
If I had so much should I not arrange my chatties ea/rthen cooking
vessels and prosper.
Spoken regietfullj of saccour which ought to be and it not afforded.
In beauty equal to natural coral, at home a cow-dung basket.
426- ^LfiQp(^^ ^ieviss ^jri/uurriT s_663n-.nr ?
Are there any who cut the nose for the sake of beauty.
427. «5yy?(2) '^(3'^^ -^Q^^y ^^^i^ii^ g)®/^^ e-essr^puh.
Beauty will nit and weep, fortune will sit and eat.
0 beautiful maid, frail kite, the comedian calls you.
Spoken of a fern ile wbos? demeanour is incousiiteut with modest j.
TAMIL PBOVIRBS. 45
429. ^{p(S^(3 ^tLi^rreo ^u^^^(^ c-^q/ld.
A jewel worn as ai^ ornament may aid in adversity.
Gold ornamentB are often given as seonrlty for money borrowed
to irade with, as well as to serve in pressing emergencies
430, ^Lpd'Q<3'frev^Qp6inr ^mir^ Qffii.%^Q^n;s\)^Slp6iiir i9pir.
They wlio advise weeping are one's friends, those who advise
laughing are strangers.
Spoken with reference to the character of advisers.
431 ^ifi^0<3'!Te^^3jp(Si]^ iSl&DLpdBdSd'QifFfrev^eufresr^ Sifldsi^Q'9'frev
He who counsels m to weep does so to favour life ; he who coun-
sels mirth seeks our ruin.
432, ^L^^^uuQeufrSs!fr<i ^i-.SkjGfr ^pl<affesrsk ^^s^eufrir,
God dements him who is to be destroyed.
43S. ^ifii^euerr ^Qjrfr® Qufr^e\) er^ssr ?
"What matters it with whom an abandoned woman goes ?
434. «5y^/5^ IBib^S(SU<o6r^^<S\) ^<3^6ULD QiDtU/B^ (oTSSrsSTy San^SISi^ QibiU
What matters it whether a horse or an ass grazes in a garden that
lies waste T
435» ^i^®^/jP«(5<?' Q^frekissreussr uLfiQuir^S(mu:i Lbmesreu^,
One who seeks to maintain an unjust claim and a king who exte-
nuates crime.
Both are injurioui to society.
436. ^(Lff^Gfrefflr Q^frQ^a&T&Tfr ^3=!Tjr^diefrGnir^
Weeping hypocrites, canting sycophants and religious formalists^.
437, ^QP^P ^SsssrtLjUi QfiiiQlp QueAfrSsssriLjU^ /6Lb(j««LL-/r^.
A weejting man and a smiling woman are not to be trusted*
46 ^ie®^f{^.
Though one may abide in a house of mourning, it is not possible
to lemain in one that is leaky.
439. j^Q-^Qp i9&T^<i(^ sijfreiDipuuLpLo afTLLQSp^Qufreii,
Like showing a ripe plantain to a crying child.
A premium on nauglitiuess,
440. ^'LpSp (oiSuSsfT uitIt^^ ^<i(^(STfr ufnu<3=mQ(n^sk^
He ticklf a when one is weeping.
Spoken of something that is obtrudtd at an ineon^snitsnl; time.
■ ■
441. ^(ipQp^p(^^^fruueo!fnh Q-^rrQ^^y ^\uSip^p(^ ^qj^ usmia
Having given half a fanam for lireepihg, give a fanam to cease.
442. ^(Lp€iDSiLiiii ^iBJ^s/rjrQpih QiOui^'i QiSeQuQurrL^nr f
Are grief and self-wiU things to be made sport of?
445. ^Q^^^^"^ &2soi(^<saQm LLfr6ssfl<ii3sih»
A ruby in a dirty i:ag.
444^ ^(1fZi«65)6P ^Q£<k(^<i Q^fTCVfplLD ^jQpiiSfn^ ^W^(S^ Q^fTeV^lh^
Dirt will temove dirt, reproach will overcome reproach.
Though cleaned and placed on one's knee, the mean disposition of a
slave or low person will not leave him,
446 ju(wjs ^dfT^ijLD S/bQiju Qpi^th.
A weeping eye and a running nose,
447. ^Q-Qfi^^^(^ ^^iEi^frjri£le\)2eo»
He who is weeping has no pride.
448, jy(U)^t96rr3srr ufri\)(^t^i(<3^iji,
A crying child obtains milk.
TAMIL PROVERBS. ^7
419. jy^^ i9fffr^fr p-jTiii OujiiLb,
The weeping child will gain strength.
^50. j>/(Lp^Lo tSe^rSoYr ^(suQen OupQeuGsifrQui.
Although she may weep, she herself must bare the child.
451. jy(jf^^ Q/s^<3F<55r -^(5'^(3^ . s-^su/rsir^ ^(srrSl<ssr Q/BfjjdroJr
The hard-hearted will be of use to none, the tender hearted will
be of use to all.
452. ^n^suirir ^pp i9iemaf.L£t ^p^&Jfnr ^pp *L- Sso////i.
A corpse unwept and a funeral pyre unquenched.
An affair or person forsaken by all.
453» jj(ipQjfrir ^rLpWfrnr ^lo ^<s^ld ^i^Qm ^QQ^eu a'^if Qu€mt^(fF,i(<n^
All weep on account of their own griefs, none oh account of
Tiruvan's wife.
Spoken of feigned sjmpatby and also of that outward expreasion
of Borrow whiich is occasioned by surrotinding circumstances.
4d4. ^mipiurr eff*LLi^p(^ jsr^tpuj/TcF ^Laui^Q,
Th6 mother of a bride oi" bridegroom will not visit their new rela-
tiions unless invited.
455. ^6yr(S/rL//fla9jj2//i eQp(^js3oOaj6sr e_653rS).
There are firewood carriers evienin Alagapuri, (the city of Kuv^ra.)
KuT^ra a wealthy king-, now regent of the North and the guar-
dian of riches.
456. jyerr^/TiLyrf) Q^BfrfffrSsmu/r^^uy^ ^^(£^l^ iTesr^^(m j^fiirjyii
Although Alagapuri be given up to plunder, the unfortunate gains
nothing thereby.
Though as wedthy as Euv^ra you must keep your expenses
within due bounds^
48 u ifiQ Lbir L^,
458. ^erriQp fsfri^ ^^eQSeo ^/Stu^u^irf
Does the measure know the price of grain %
He will measure in the accustomed measure.
When measured it is not a spaa long, when chopped up it does not
fill a chatti.
461- -gysTr/5j5/ ^iSffkfB miTL^ ^\^^3i g^^^^ eaqf^iL,
By repeated measurement articles will be diminished.
Oonstant use wears out a thing.
462. ^^^&rfr(sSe\)s\jfr^6U&ir eufrjp<ies>65 (^efre)Jerrtr<i Qs^fri^esr^oS^ £i
The prosperity of him who does not cultivate soeiality is like the
filling of a tank without a bank.
463. jy6W€a/,«55(^ £5(55®(g)6U ^lQit^qpld mdj^air.
If in excess even nectar is poison.
464. juGfrenir^ (^e9^p\u!K^ QiaFireaev/r^ i9peu!iT^,
That of which no part is taken out will not lessen, that which is^
not uttered will not get out.
If taken up and given in handsful it is free^ if measured out it is
charged for.
*
Whilst teeming milk already laded, the quantity is given.
467« ^etTdSff^Qpeam ^L^^^e\) @0<fi5«6U ^a/r^ @cfr(sr^8peu&fr ^i—^
One cannot afford to live with a plunderer though he might live
with a pilferer.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 49>
It is said that a dog imagines ever}'' thing taken up^ by the handi
is intended for himself
* An over-suspicious man lost his wife and carried her sixty miles,
weeping.
Some mischievous pevsons haviDg concealed her in a box employed)
him to carry it to the sea-shore.
470. ^/D<i(m€s>Lp/i^fr^ih (^(5S}tfiLJUiTefr ^lOSajiruj ^piS^^ui ^P'
She win over-boil the rice ; or she will boil it imperfectly.
4-71. ^p^3h^ir&^LL LD(tpQLnfrL-einL-.
Excessive sharpness is perfect bluntness.
472. ^P'SfQ^iLQ Qfi(Lpf6^L-LD,
Hard dealing ends in loss.
473. ^pSss^r jy6U(5 ^peurr^^
The streaked lizard opens not its mouth.
474. ^pSssvr ^i^^/35fre\) LDjressTLD,
If a streaked lizard bite, death ensues.
475'. ^p^^freo euQ^<5u(S/s ^^uih.
That is happiness which springs from virtue.
4TS» ^pfB2ssrf6ja56UQ^i(^<i sh^^so er&sre^rl
No cold to them that are completely wet..
477« jffpuQuQ ^^peitfrL-CSeumrSliJb*
On a full understanding of the party admit to friendship.
478* ^puutf-^^euiT ^ia^frif-Qufr^e» eQp&^inmLu.rrn' Qm/rerrerre^
LDfTiLL^/nr^
When the hypercritical go to market they neither buy nor 8eU%
4.
f
5P; UffiQmiriJ^.
479* ^puuif-^^su^ 6h.tpuufr85sru9eo eQ.Qpm^frir,
One iiighly learned fell into a pot of gruel.
The story of a^ scrupulousy chaste wife who addressed her husband
as ADDa. father. ^
as Appa, /a^^r
( . .. '^
As the thoroughly practised musk-rat was drowned in the refuse-
pan.
482. ^p(ip^<iSiQ)GO QsfrQnp^ds^fr^^LD,
When twisted to excess, fibres snap.
483. ^PQpj^I'S^S^^ ^pjpluQufT^Lb.
If ov^- twisted it will snap.
484- ^PQpj^^($^ OdBfrQiDLiifi QmfTwsr® ^p^gQ(SIw,
Wh6n excessively twisted, strands break.
485* ^pLo QufTQ^&fT ^&sruijOi (ore\)€\)n-Q^€i(^ih ^eoSso,
Virtue, wealth and pleasure are not common to all.
486. ^p<okSif.^^ QpmQs'fr^ m/TL^uufrSssruQso 6Q(ipiE^rrp(Sufre\),
As when being thoroughly strained thie uppermost portion of the
boiled rice fell into the refu3e-pan.
487. •jy^a/ii QstrQiaCSdSfrevir^eirS^i (^if-u9(y^ui9p (^peu&srSi^'i
(Better) to live in subjection to a mountaineer than to be the sub-
ject of a cruel tyrant.
488. J^^<^^^^!P(^ ^s^i^GmiTfB^ ^/Sl^eo,
It is the merit of the wise to gain knowledge by meditation^
When I went to a master whom I knew, to pay. my respects, he
saad, you? fath^ owes, ten fap^onsy ^ye it me.
Tamil ^bovisbbs. SI
A known brahman is a friend ; aro there onlf three pancakes for
six cash ?
Said of taking advantage of preTioas acqaaintance in a bargain.
491. ^/SliB^ui QmtLQi-,^ ^fSiuirin^LD QsiLQl^&st Q^irfilik^ Ljmr
Knowingly and unknowingly I have been ruined ; scratching has
caused sores.
The story of t)ne who claimed as his slate the man who had paid
his respects to him because he was an acquaintance*
493. ^jSiu ^fSiui OsQeuirir ^essri^ir ? »
Do any become vicious by increasing knowledge ?
494. ^fSvutr^ iBrretr ere\)eoiTu^ t9peuir^ mrreir.
All the days before the age of discretion are as th'e days before
birth.
Have I grown my beard not knowing that it would fall into the
hands of the barber t
Said with reference to the loes of a eheri^hed object.
Like the idea of an iDUOcent child. .
497. ^fS^esTsoSL^^^iso Lj^^ Q^<5fnr(S/is,
Do not ask advice of th« ignorant.
498. ^jSisffiosrlr ^inii(^ ^u9jrLD s-emjr^S^pjLb ^euth.
Though fools are told a thousand times the thing is uselesd.
^99, ^jSleij ^nr ^rSeurrir? ^uj/B/Sfrir ^fiSeutrir^
Who possesses information ? Those who have examiiaed a thing
thoroughly.
»
4.J1 ignorant man is despised evan by women..
501. <^/Sl6if ^6\)a)/r<fF i^uj<osrLD ^ihuF^^^th ^ev2so»
So to sleep as to be incapable of feeling is an imposijibility,
502: ^pSloi] QuQ^^CS^/resT QiBinii QuQ^^Q^irsisr,
Hp that increaseth knpwiedge increaseth. sorrow.
•
The ignorant are not manly,
504- ^/olisij i-jpLDiQufnu a-eoeaarz— ^G^Ly/rev.
As a chrysalis destitute of intelligence.
505. ^/SeijLLiok ^fresTLD ^ekLjL^eir e^Q^es^Lb,
Wisdom is regulated by knowledge, good conduct by love.^
506. <Ji//olsn mssres)^ ^ifli^LD,
Conccious guilt will fret the heart.
507. ^/oleij ^Q^ih (SUfntiLd ^eirty ^^(oS)fr<i(^LD mfreijth,
A. mouth, that instructs and a tongue uttering words of love.
Spoken of one characterized by wisdom an() lov^*
508. «gy^a/S5)L_ai.T6»/r jffjr&^^LD qQq^ldljld^
Even a .king will approve of wise men.
509. ^;lSsi\(Sy)U.lUfT€SyT ^Q^^fTp (oUfT^LD,
To obtain the favour of the wise is enough.,
I know, I know (i. e., I know.it well) the leaf of the banyan tree
is like that of the tamarind tree.
511. «sy^<*<55Lo/rLLL_/r^6i/sir ^Qnn'ii9i(s\)^LDU^iQ^iL® ^li^eufrcft,
♦ ■ ■ •
Fifty-eight sickles 6n the hip of one that cannot reap.
Used in. contempt of mere show and parade*
TAMIL tROVEilBS. 5S
The son of a widow has evil, gestures throughout his body.
Said of persons irreclaimably and naturally vicious.
513. ^j^^^ (o^fTi^ ^£^'%(^LDrru(Sufrev,
Fluttering as a fowl with its throat cut.
514« j>i^^^@u&T ^essriSerr^siT Qupp sissi^.
The story of a widow who gave birth to a son.
515. ^j^u^ /Bfrdofr^(^ erapu^ a/bss}^.
Seventy rags for sixty days.
Although one may balance himself on a pole sixty^fti^r feet high,
he has to descend to receive gifts.
517. ^jpju^0^u®<i (S<asfrjrLbU6VLo^
Sixty-eight tricks.
Said of the vaiicus impedimeiits which otie meets with in canying
out a Bcheme.
518. ^^ui-l'^ mireo^Qso <5reSl'S(^LCi ^/s^ Quehr^ir^,
In harvi'st time even a rat has five wives.
The mouth of the rice-pot being enlarged by fracture, the rice must
be boiled the longer.
520. ^^f^pu9e\) ^f^ ^eveoQeurr ^ihus\)^i^<5\) ^L^CS^emQia ?
One must appear in the assembly, must he not, after having
practised privately ?
521. ^<s^pu9ev ^(^d^Qpsinr^Soir ^LDuG)^^e\) (^pjryQp L^frL-L^(ck,
One who leads private persons into a place of justice and perverts
judgment.
522, J^pu ^<5^e' Qarruf. fleu^eiD^Bs 0«®dB(gii,
The least unlawful desire destroys a myriad acts of austerity.
Is beauty (selfrrespect) to be forfeited for a mere trifle ?
Althoiagh the broom is inferior it will lay the dust in the house.
525. <^puir SCS/sS^th i9irfreasr rnGssri^^u^,
The friendship of the mean will issue in fatal results.
526> ^puff ^(o'BtSLb i9jrrrGssr €=mi<si—Ui,
The friendship of the base is dangerous.
If a l#w-bred man obtain wealth, he will carry an umbrella at
midnight.
When a mean person acquires wealth he knows not how to take
care of it.
529. ^pp^^if^ ^ppfiinu^
Fitted to the opportunity.
Three kinds of weather, hot, cold and temperate are included in the
six seasons.
A yeir is dlFided intoAix seasons of two montlis each, beginning
with August The names of the seasons are 1. "T/t. cloudy. 2 A-^r,
cold 3. (ip«»' lj6b^, evening dew. 4' l5«5» i_<«j^, morning dew. 5. fijl^r
GaioR^, mild heat. 6« (i/i^ oaoiAa), very hot.
531. ^fpiQuirssiii Q^irSsOfh^rreo ^pu ^^^^Qpia ueBi^iD,
Even a common medicine may prove effectual after a disease has
passed the crisis.
TAMIL PftOVERBS. !t&
The touch whether of the foot or the hand is an offence to one'a
unkind mother-in-law.
533. ji/ekupp LDfrLSuufTQ^s^ds (g^iiSOiL (^ppiB^fr^,
Even obeisance is an offence to an unloving mother-in-law^
534. ^&srupQrfir eu/r^eQCo^ iSmupjSu QufrmirQ^^^
Don't enter the portal of the uncharitable*
535> j^i&fru/rear QQ/sS^Sssr j^u^^Qeo ^jS,
Know a loving friend in adversity.
536. ^&sn9e»^irrr <SLD<ir^ ^^^sld @^!5so.
They who are destitute of love are void of influence
53/, ^mLj&ristr 06wr£i ^2soSe\ie^tT ib^. #
A loving disposition is a river without a rippk.
Where love reigns the impossible may be attained*
ITie story of a neighbour who invited a woman in distress at th6'
loss of her husband.
Love is all-important, and' it is it's own reward.
041. ^mpp ^uQjTLD Ourr^esfl^thy iB&srpp €^^ mirsr QuX\^.
A single cash saved is greater than thousands of gold spent a»;
soon as acquired.
542. ^^pl^msisoiru^ S^jSj^iseoir^fT^,
Pay at once, delay is bad.
I
•^ U IfiQ LLfT L^.
The body we then saw has suffered no decay.
The word Quaeafi is alao used for beaut j, freshness.
•544» ^^sr^tD ^edBsod esy^tuev^ ^&fr^Lb ^euSsOiJ Quir^^&o,
There was no stitching then, nor is there any hole now.
Buy when you require, be slow to make purchases, do not make
daily purchases.
•'546. jy«ir^ ^esrp Q&^ir^ ^^ mir^^^p^sj ^n^fr ?
Will the boiled rice eaten then suffice for six months ?
.'547. ji/^jpj ^^p ^snem ^^ LDfr<3F^^LJ uS^iduj ^j2/«*(gLc>,
The'iliod which was then eaten will keep one free from hunger for
six months.
•"548. ^ek^ (orap^esreueifr ^tfi^^ <oT(Lp^eun'^ ?
Will he who wrofe then, erase and write again ?
Referring to the changeless preordiuatioD of God.
The half cash obtained to-day is greater than thousands of gold to
be got hereafter.
The Kal^ fruit, carisaa diffaaa, of to-day is better than the- jack fruit
of the fiiture.
A handful of boiled rice has become as precious as a handful of
sugar-
•552. ^ssresr ldujld i9jrfressT ldiuld.
The property of food is the support of life
The supporting, nourishing quality of grain is its special pro-
perty, without which, as life is now conditioned, it cannot exist.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 57
55J. ^&sr€sr Loiuui ^ek/Su i9^dssr Lcnum g)a)Sso,
There is no physical virtue in aught but food.
The same as the preceding.
554. ^^ssTLD iB^i QsrreiTSU/r^LD ^65)l_ Jy2^«(g ^su/t^ld u^t.
The glutton and the sloven are alike worthless.
555. juekesTLb ^l-L-IFIt ^L-i^e\) «S€ir6jjrzi ^L^eoiru^ir ? -
May we break through the wall of the house of those who
fed us ?
556. jys3r«jrii ^®/E/S(g)eu ^(^^in ^©/©(^fi.
When food fails, the five semes fail.
Beferring to the exercise* of the senses as dependent on the health
of the body and its dependence on food.
557. ^mGST fBSi^L- iBL^i^uQurrii^ ^sir mmi^iLjU^ Q<%iLL^frp(Surr(5v,
As in attempting to walk like a swan, tJie crow lost even its natural
gait*
When food or grain is scarce, all is scarce.
She who was wandering about for rice wate^*, is seeking sugar to
mix in cow's milk.
What gift is there that equals the gift of food I
Strange women will n^ avail in adversity.
562. ^6W"Ssjr«(g s_^®i/r^/reJr =^(5<3^(a5 S-^eijeufreir ?
Whom will he help that does not help his mother ?
«63. jyefy^ 0d=iJbLDfr6srih ^s3)z_-L£)<s2DLp«fiBQ' evsv^essrii^^
A crimson sunset betokens abiding rain.
'
58 UtpQ lUfTL^.
The dilSerence is as ^eat as that between an elephant and a
iDOsquito.
565. ^^if-iuisfTjTssr Qu^^u^iufTiuu Quireuir&ir,
A scoffer will be destroj'^ed.
If a child be bom at an inauspicious time wh<:t evil will it occasion
to a neighbour I
567. ^^^JS Li(^dF/r/5y«5B^^<i(^ ^jvuj^ f5fri^^s><3BiLiui ^ujrr^Siuui,
In a false almanac, the sixty hours are to be rejected*
In astrological calculations a time of three and three quarters to
four Indian hours i stri^^-* 24 minutes) for the asterisra that rales
the day is considered unluckj : it is called ^'j"#*»iu n rejected.
An imperfect or uncertain formala should he wholly rejected.
568. ^^oB/T^aioir (^zp_6jj)UJ ^®^^« Q«s®<55<s5(?6i/«Rrr®£i.
The family of the wicked must be destroyed by associating with it.
569. ^<3Sfr^6up€iDp <cjp((rfeo ^irfnuii^ ejp^^Q^freo'^
If about to undertake a difficult work do so after due inquiry.
Is a brahmanicide a suitable witness for an abandoned wretch T
571. ^^!Tuj^^i(^ esiiniULD mfriLQSp^Qufreo,
• Like pointing out the middle of the sky.
An impoHsibility.
Can a hawk carry away the sky I
TAMIL PROVERBS. 59
513. ^sfTUJ^^^ upiss e^u(Sj^Su(Su&ir, erf^Ssurs ^dS ^P^^^
The spiritual guide observed, I will teach you how to fly through
the air, take me up and convey me to the other side of the river.
574. «g«/rttj &j(s\)io9i^ jy^iT ^9-«(gLb.
A powerful thunder-clap will occ^ion tremor.
Will white ants destroy an iron pillar that reaches to the clouds .'
The proverb was u«ed by Sita when speaking to HaTana.
576. ^siriuLD uirirssLjQufriLjLb ^(SlQpQd^ir ?
Is there not suflGicient space for one to go and look at the sky ?
577. M^ffiLr^€in^ euQuui^i ^/jL^-iaJ/rLDT P
Can the air be bit so as to leave a mark T
578. ^siriuLD Oupp^, ^lS ^fTikiQesr^,
The sky brought forth, the earth supported.
If favoured by fortune medicine will take effect in due time.
580. ^Q^isjsfr€))ji^&) ^ij^iuir(efhLCi Quem Qu^eurrfffr,
In times of prosperity, even a slave woman may bring forth a
female child*
581. ^(^lEl<SfnU l9(^Q(o(S\) QjsStLjLb,
A sound fruit may be known when it begins to set,
582. .^(^aaaf/rsvii ^(g^i, (Sufr(^iEJdSfrs\)Lo CoLj/r^^jti.
In auspicious times it succeeds, in inauspicious times it fails.
583. ^<s5«u Qu/rjri/^/ssu€sr Mpu Oufr(7rf>^ ?
Will he who wailed till it was cooked, not wait till it cools I
584, ^dsSp Q^LpuQu^y ^iflSujfnu ^pi(^Q€um.
Should I cook I shall spoil the rice, either by under or over doing" it.
60 u ifiQ infT L^.
Rule will last but half an hour where discipline and authority do
not exist.
686. ^,i(^Qp'SU(Sfr &=(sB^^rr(5\) ^Qulju ufrip^ (^^^Speuerr ^^edl^
If the cook be wear}', the lieartb will be useless ; if she who
pounds the rice be weary the mortar will be useless.
587. ^/Bd5/r/fl«(Gy5«3B(g ^^cs/r//?.
The chief of the proud-
<orsk@(yjf>efr.
She exclaims Sangara, Sangard at death having through life been
given up to lewd behaviour.
689. ^^ifl^^ Q^ujeuLD <or6\)'€\)frLb ^i^QiurrQL- ubtresifTL-^,
All the deities that were venerated have entirely perished.
590. ^,<^frjrLD ^eveorr ^<y^^(^L_sJr 3h.Lf-U ufr^friBJ(^ Qu&u u^S
^LpiB^QufrQissresr,
By being associated with the base and by speaking hypocritically
1 have forfeited my dwelling-place.
691. ^^^lieufT^npLo ^fruQpLD ^pQeunirsif^ ^^Sso.
The virtuous are not affected by blessing and cursing.
;
592. ^<ss)<5= ^eueir Qll(S(oO ^^jrsij umu (SldQ^oO,
His mind is fixed upon her, his body is on the mat.
593. ^<s^<^ mS)fj^uj^ mirefTy (SLDfrsm Qpuu^iBfretr^ Q^jressr^^^ /bit
Sixty days of excessive desire, thirty of enjoyment ; when the
ninety are over, the remaining time is as useless as a worn-out
broom.
594. ^es)^ ^smL^rr^rrQe^y ^(Lpe^^siLjiD ^essTL-tr^,
If evil desire spring not sorrow will not approach^
TAMIL PROVERBS. 61
If there be heartfelt love, there will be deferential regard
Spoken of a devoted wife who has a cruel husband.
596' Mesif^ s-cirerrerrQ/ii ^2so<3=<^^ld s_®»r®.
. As long as desire continues, there will be anxiety also.
597. ^QD&=Qd5fr6ikfn—(Su(y^ii(^ (ojrfr^LD ^ffoSso.
Persons of inordinatt desire have no shame. *
598" c^«D<F«(^ ^GneQs^^sO,
Desire has. no limits.
599. cgS!n«F Q<^ir&)eSI (oLDfr^LO Q^ujQp^fr p
Is it to deceive after using enticing words I
600. .g;55)<F (?.^/ra/«j^ ^eQipfiLD ^^ ?
What remedy is there for love-sickness I
601, cgSJDcF QuQF^^ ^SsO<F<FJi2/ii QUQ^(^LD^ .
As desire increases,, anxiety increases.
Which is gr^ater, (human) desire or a mountain ?
803, Sjj^^uuL-L^^ ^mQuQufrSp^^
What was desired is now disgusting.
She beat him with the winnowing fan to banish all his desires..
Desire knows not shame
'6. c|^€3),F etf)eu^^fre\) /B/r<^Lo,
Cherished desire CTi^s in ruin.
.^<SF© ^^S Qm^fSu utf-^^LJ QuiSFfrQ^^
0 mother, mother, do not speak so much.
4^^S is a pcovingiaUsm.fQr •^uS.
62 u LpQ LDir yS.
608. -f^^^ ufTu.^ Q^ifitufr^ ^jressrQ uibi(^ s_6W7®.
Neither able to sing nor dance, but he has two shares.
The temple girl who could not dance said that the hall was not
large enough.
610. ^L^eQiLQ /5TL_65ii umr<iSp^fr ?
Is it to look at the drama after having encouraged a profligate
course ?
Spokeu iroiaically.'
611. -^i-^'c^^^ <3h.L-ir^rr^ujfr ?
Are those linfit for the drama unfit for every thing.
'612 <^L^nr^ ereoei>fnh ^^ ^eustDir^^iru^u^ ^^^fb^eFSr^^
AH is done and the avarai fruit is cut !
Indicatiug decayed clrcnm stances.
613. -^^ ^pQeuL-esii-. ^^eSSsd Q/bSvqQSso^
July harvest having failed, the price of dry grain is that of paddy.
The comedy began and ended in an hour,
615. -gJ9- ^iU/5^ UtiiUITLD,
A top that spins no longer.
616. -g,^'55 650 ^^i^freO U^<56)lfi (^esypf^^CouiTLD,
If the embryo clouds of July fail rain will be scant.
617. ^i^^dipaQp infTiLeniL- ^z^« ^p&&Qeu6ssT(BliDy uiruf^s d^psQp
A restless cow must be milked by force, and a gentle cow must be
mnked with kindness.
Treatment to be regulated by oircumstanoei .
618. ^i^^^irpfSe^ s-^Q^LD 3'Q^(^(SuiTe\)^
As dry leaves falling in the winds of July*
TAMIL PROVERBS.
G3
Is there any way of escape for a leaf-plate before the wind of July I
; 620. ^if-d56^irfb/ijl(Seo ^<oO€ULou<^Sr up/5/£^(Sutrev»
Like silk-cotton scattered by the wind of July.
Seek, seize her by the hair, and slipper a mother-in-law who doe«
not invite you in July.
The parents of a newly mariied woman separate her from her hus-
band^ that she may be under their cave during the first year of
marriage, in the month of July. This is necessary to pref^ent con-
ception in that month and delivery in the following April. The
birth of a first child in April if a son is believed to biing ruin upon a
family.
They say that the cuff was given in July, and the pain felt in
August.
623. «^9-UJ <s5/rj^££» unrt^iLi lSl^^ld,
A dancing foot and a singing throat.
1524. ^/^ eSezo/^ Q^i^uQuir®.
Provide seed-c6rn and ^ow in July.
While there are sheep will it (the tigfer or wolf) swallow the shepherd.
626. ^(S (srQji^ s&refrdssruQufrQeo ^L3iS(nf&sr.
He stares like a thief who has stolen a sheep.
The shepherd is trembling aloft fearing the sheep may bite him*
■ — ~ 1. ■
The price of the sheep is a quarter of a fanam that of its tail
three fourtjias of a faQwu
64 utfiQLurri^.
G29. -g>® Sli-^fh^ ^L^^^(oio\) LDu9ir^n-^jjui Qisini^iufTLDp Qu-iruSp^,
Not even hair is found where sheep were penned
630. ^(^ Sl^fE^ ^l^QpLD ^<35LDUlf.Ujrrsvr ^Qf^lB^ ^L^QpLn ^QF^U
A place where sheep were penned and a place once occupied by an
Agambadyan are profitless.
631. ^j^®Si—fB^ ^L-^Qeo U(LpuLj^^fr^ih fflszoL-iu/r^.
Not a leaf will be found where the sheep lay.
^^^Hiaa^
632. ^® Q<£fr(m'iQp^ GTsvev/nh ^<oS)L-.iLi^3i(<^ eo/ruLOi,
The fattening of the sheep is an advantage to the shepherd.
He that has bought a sheep will wander about ; he that has bought,
fowls will go about crying them for sale.
634. -gj® 0(S5/rz__/r^ ^€5)L^iu<5sr ^«Da;« Qes.frQluuiT^ ?
Will the shepherd who refused to give a sheep give a cow ?
635» ^(S) Q^rr^<oS<skrSl^ ^JT^iuu (Suir(^Lb!r ?
Will a sheep lead. itself when the shepherd is absent:
636. ^(SllEi^ireOLD ^2soSLpfTiU 63(Lp(5^/r^Lh &h.QLD LfQuLl^^frioif 6k.(Sui,
Though he may fall headl6ng when dancing, be will not thereby
meet with greater success.
If one should fall headlong when he ought to be active, he will be
so impoverished as to possess only broken pots and au alms-dish.
Indolence in youth leads to povertj in old age .
638« ^Q^e^LbfT (^Q^i^sQisir <orm(0fj>(5\)y OdSfTLaLjiJCi (^errLDLjLD ^^eQjr^
If one say, O my teacher, can the sheep be of any use to you, he
replies yes, aU except the horns and the hoofs*
TlMIL PROVERBJS. ^
Like a go^t cropping leaves.
It is said that the wolf wept becaase the sheep were wet,
■<41. sjfSi iShsr^js ^L-^^<s\} uL.1^ Qufr(SSpjSfr.?
Will the pen be put up whei^ the sheep may wish T
'^42. ^0 i9(sisiLp^^rreo LbSlr^ir^Ld Q^Biru.fr&r,
If the sheep should recover, hfe will not give even a hair.
Said wliere benefits are not requited.
'643. <g® effiLi^Qiso ^iLQdij^LLi^ smLtf^Qeo,
The dam at home, the lamb in the jungle.
He who is naked is but half a man.
Self-retpect essential.
If the cream be consumed, cj^n butter be obtained ?
The lapwing will hy ifs tries betray whether he who approaches
be the owifer or a thief.
v47. ^iLsfTiLi^ Q^if]iuiru^eo ^Q^u.uQufrSpsuesr QsL-i^isirjrQi^^
Which is the cleverer, the thief that goes out to steal taking care
that the lapwing does not see him, or h^ thftt follows the track
of that thief T
»
A stupid servant to a skepfaerd.
5
649- ^L-t^e» ^ttS jfLD,. LCi/riLtf-&) ^yQ/nhy 6pL^L^(?e\) d^jresari^ ufreo,-
Possessed of sheep by the thousand^ of cattle by the thous md, ht
has not a spoonful of milk at home;
650. ^lL®«^ eurre\) ^etreujpj^^ esyeu^^QF^iSp^*.
The tail of the sheep, is proportioned to its size.
651. «^LL®<i^Lb LD/r L_®i^Lb ^jr&ssrQ Ositldl], ^iULDi9L^frP,<i^^
Sheep and oxen have two horns, an Aiyam -pid^ri has three*
652. <^i—(S^(^^(o^fr/b(^LDn'QipuLi€Q?
Can an old, tiger be overcome by a sheep-?
^~- — — n ".
653. •^Ll®«(g/i LbfTL^Qs^^Qpetnpiutr ^ &iTiL®6i(^La ufTiLQi'S^^
Are relationships observed among, sheep and oxen I have woods ,
and uncultivated tracts any line of demarkation I
As the wolf entered the ahe^pfold.
The fate of the lamb is that of its dam.
656. ^LL(S^js2sd(^ 6U«wr^5)6ir updS/p^Qufre\)^
As the washerman flies at the sheep's head.
The butter the sheep yields is not enough (to stew) the marrow .■
with.
658. ^iLQeQ/i^u uwesiu ,Q<^!r.L-(BSi(ff^:
He causes them to dance and beats the drum.
659. ^L-.®s ^l-i^(dI-dg\) ^u9jru^ OuiT&f^ ?
What, thousands of gold for a young sheep I
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 67'
650. ^L^(Si(^iLifj^(^ ^Ssifresyaji sfreufQdB/rQ.
Sacrifice an elephant for the sake of a kid
661. ^L_®«(gLL/^65)/L/^ (S^frsfflQe\) emsu^^i s/tQl^b^u^ Q^tf^fsr
The story of one who wandered through the jungle in search of a<
Iamb that he had on his shoulder.
He aims to catch the leopard by exposing the sheep,
65)L,<5 «l1z^ QlBQ^ULj €S)6U'LJU^ /S€\)€\)^^
It is better to build a house and set fii^e-to it^-than to buy sheep %^
and place them under the eare of Others.
Have you no desire -to Meeus attleaet onee a year t .
Broth apd curry ^ught to be prepared with alLtheir ii^editots.^.
Do not destroy- yourself by prid^.*
Standard gold;^and it woman at one with her mother-in Jaw are
rare.
68.
Although one. may injurera imanya woananmay not -be injuriously
treated.
Ttain-a-boy strictly, but a girl kindly.
^3 u jfiQ m/r ^..
Neither swearing nor oatibs-sure required, put down the cloth and
stride ovier it.
The austerity of those who are ignorant of the Supreme is a«
profitless as soil at, the foot of a dead tree.
^72. ^essTL^ir(rF^<k(^^ Q^frQ^Qs^pQiufr <9F53)/r<s^®«i65)«35<ig5« QsfrQs
Do you give to mendicants, or to the hard shell of the bottOe-gourd ?
While the head of a family lives, prosperity may beenJDyed.
^674. ^emi^^&fTi&h-if^ iLU.La siLuf-^pQurro),
Like mendibafit^ combining to build a choultry.
The meadieajjt lies, in the choultry and his bag in the street.
When told to give rice to the Saiva mendicant, hfe says give it to
the Vaishnava mendicant.
^77* ^€6srL^d(^ euiriuuQu^si- ufnrLJuir^6S(^ jy^«/£i ^suSso,
To the religious mendicant a word, to the brahman not even that.
'678, ^eim^^S Qupp ^(^3^Lb ^6ULD,
The &ve children bdrne by the mendicant a wife are all weakling
When the^on jof a m.endicai)Lt.a8snm£s a mendicant's profenision,
will blow his conch at the proper time-
It is said that he beat the.meiid];QaDt>iiAd broke bi^'^lmd-^didi,
TAMIL PROVHtBS. 69'
681. Mmri^tLiLD fBfr^^Ld Q^rressrt^iLfU^ aSjpiu^.
The Saivite and the Vaishnavite mendicants are aa airat?er-pot and
its cord.
United or separate.
When he meets a Saiva mendicant he is a Lingan, and when he
lueets a Yaishnava mendicant he is a Kangan.
When two mendicants embrace each other, the ashes of the one
cleave to the other. /
Though he assumed the guise df a mendicant, his ti-ouhles did not
cease.
I " - •
685.
^CaWiy- (^6SSTlf-€S>UJ^ ^i-/JLg)a) UpUU^ <rrt£>t7€V.
If a mendicant be struck on his posteriors, ashes fly.
to6. .jjGW® tuTTjSs^ aF^ii ^«wr^ J)fJif^J^ ^ihuT^e^fAh .g^eyreir seikr
Kar rice a year old, and newly reaped Samba (superior rice) are rare^
to the eye of a coltivator.
>o<. ^essr® Ld^^^rreo Q^iriLt^u^Lb r^Lc^i^L^rr^,
If the year withhold her increase, even the menial, servants willi
neglect to do obeisance
He wreaked his anger against his master on the male bufiala.
A thousand men may live together in harmony, whereas twd
women afie unable to do so although they be^idters.
^70 ' uifiQiLirtfi.
690. ^€mss>UiUjpp effjTGfT ^iLf^^^&srQiJbjb (^€9ypQ9'frs\)^siifr&r^
Ihe coward blames his weapon.
• A comforUesa word, and a palmiia rafter without a bolt are oi
no use.
Will a chetty (a merchant^) take his departure by a river withoui
gain ?
Will a chetty dam up a river and drain out its waters for nothing
Is a man possessed of landed property without a legal inatrument'
The over*ha8ty is wanting in sense.
* Will the over'Jmsty be nice about family jiedigrees P
^The ha^ty is gratified at the instant.
While his mother is* in extremity, her grown i;ip son is crying f
'^bUtter-miik.
'699. ^&o^(QeoeoiTfBeu^ ^ssuru^eS^^.
.fie who possesses no 'property is but half a man^
^7^00. ^ao^iLjeffetreu^ ^&v^^(^ ^t^emin^
A man of wealth is the slave of bis possessions,
7.01. ^&v^tLieirerreu^i(^ (Bir^La ^^3so.
The wealthy are not exfposed to immediate ruia*
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 71
702, ^ietD^ Sfil^ Q<3P3rLJ Quif^^,
^e bt^l k stnall, its scr^'chis lotlid.
703. ^u^^p mir^^&i&sr ^essrLieu&sr ^eu/r^.
He who helps another in his taisfortiine becomes his master.
'704. Sj^U^i^LD ^LDU^^Cn «^(5'3^@tb S_*6MT®.
Prospeiity and adversity are common ta all.
A thing done through necessity is no crinae.
■1 I li
706. ^u^^d5'(^ e-^eQesreu(ossr u/i^.
He is a friend who aids in adversity.
i •- ■ ■ . — ." - •. - .
The condition of <>ne's elder sister may be ascertained by attending
her wedding.
As the monkey perished by dmwing out a wedge.
If castor seed (palma christi) be sown will ^hcha (ebony) spring upt
<lO. ^LD63afr«sgj Qp^^ ^essftrLp^^fTLnrr' P
Are the nuts of the castor plant pearls ?
^11. ^LDesSTd(^LD UQ^^QiLfLO ^L-IT eBm^SUUfTf^ P
Will he sow castor and cotton seeds in close proximity 1
'12. ^«Dto SsssTp/SKSed ^9s£(S\) QdSfnhi9(Ss\), ^
The tortoise or a turtle is in the well, the squirrel is on a branch.
Said of two things or persons not found together.
They will catch the turtle, they wilHum it on its back, for me to
say so would be a crime.
vlndicnting that U m mote dat^gerbus to speak of the crime of
= Another than to c6thmi it.
72 iJffiQ IDfT jfi\
714. ^(Lp€S)t^iufr3^m Qsfrekp.^fDi^jsQ,
A most abandoned woman who murdered her own husband:
715. ^rLpes)L^\uir^ Q^^^i9mLj^jpi^€Si^(^u lj^^ enis^^.
The wopaan bi^came wise afjber the death, of her husband.
A blear-eyed man becs^e the husband of a woman who had been
crying for one.
717. ^(T/i«DL_uj/r6ir ^u^^^^p(^ ji/Lp6QG\)SsOy<5F^<35err^^ SifluufrQ&r
I, do not weep, becaufiemy husband has beaten, me, but because^
my riv^l will laugh at me.
718. ^Qpes>u-iuirGsr Qs'^^^ ^eu^uuQSpQuw^y^GiftefnL^effLufSii
"When, in great extremi^ she was mourning the death of her
husband, a, neighbour came^and attmifded to tickle her u^der
tibe arm.
The husband resembles a merry, making without foQd and know-,
ledger without 9> competent tpach^r.
720. ^(ip&nu.ujfr€ir euiLL^ir^uJ ^i^.^^Lb €u/r<3Fe\)/re\^ eujrQeuGktrQLn,
Np mMter whai the circumambulation of a husbai^d may be, he»
e;nters.his hpuse by the door.
721, ^(ip(5^L^ajfr^6S(^u Otjfnu O^rr^sr^^u^ ^QuL/d(^U Guniu
True, you may utter a falsehqod to your husband, but can you deal
falsely with the hearth.?
It is while she lias, a husband, is it not, that a woman, should pla;
the harlot?
TAJIIL PROVEBBS. 73
2J. ^QpesiL^uj[Tm Q^^^^(SfF^€i(;s^ u^Q^^^6S<aF^ ^luQeu^ ?
Of what u^e is the fovpr pf a inidwife to her who has lost ter
husband I
! rj
6\)frLD,
If your husband be a powerful man, you may ascend the dunghill
to fight
725. Sj^esiin ^L^iflev <^rSi^pQurr€v,
As if a tortoise or turtle crept up a hillock.
»
It is said that when the hare went with the tortoise to lay eggs it
strained its eyes out and died.
It is not difficult for one to win who understands the tricks of dice.
728, Muisn'ir^i(^LJ i9jru^^^^<i^^/r&fr ^f/tlI©,
The brahmanicide is the witness of the custom officer.
am^^^mtm^
The under-hand extortioner demands fifty fanams whilst the
custom officer demands five.
ISO. MUJ^^^th iSiUfriuili (o6u&kfr(SlLh,
Even ia gain justice is required.
<31. c^ttJ^^«c^45 (^^esyfT Saj^^i(^i (^iLufL^
Hire for the horse, nothing for its colt.
»
7Q
Like swimming the river to avoid the tax.
iJ3, ^iu^^es)pu9^ ^fSiufTujih Q^iLHUirQ^,
Do not. commit injustice at the KBUstom-housei
734. ^n9iri^€Mij[> Q/5S\)jj2f6B(^ ^/f ^/B^LJf^<yS (ourr^i'LD,
One grain destroy^ing insect -will consume a thousand 'grains of
ric.
As a swan in the midst of a thousiand crows.
736. ^u9jnh sfri^t9)^<35i^ ^(3 ^sv^Lj(Sufr€\),
Like a single stone thrown at a thousand crows.
Can a thousand props support the universe I
738. ^u9jrLD oBlI® ^SssruuevLD,
A thousand bonds may equal the -strength of an elephant.
739. .^u9irih Q<s=fr6sr^^LD ^eu^rrifi &'rLp9'7rif)ujfr^rr&fr,
Though a thousand -times Q^dmonished^ « faithless woman will not
become a &ithful wife.
Like one born "with ti thousand stretched imt "his legs with five-
hundred.
Beauty is' found only in one of a thousand.
Ihe combined light of ^ thousand stars is not equal to a single
moon.
743. ^u9jrLD u^frsfresdFl ^^ij^^jremu-einir^
A thousand sixteenths make sixty-two and a half.
744. ^ii9irLD ^etfiL^ujirir ^u^iik^Q^LJUfrnr ^esSQun-jrumSi Q^/r/sQ^^
He whose fortune amounts to thousands is quiet, while the rag-
, gatherer leaps for joy.
X)ignii) ifr characteristic of the worthyi and lev it j of the wortblesB
TAiriL PRt)VERBS. 4'^
745. ^iSjtld sui^rr^ih ^tu^Q^ir^eo •g«/r^.
Though it may bring in thousands^ the occupation of a tax-
gatherer is bad
746* MiiSjnh euriFSi^iii Q^&sr^ Q^pji^ir^ia ^^;S<3F^fr ^<sit^.
Although one may live a thousand years an unnatural death is bad.
747. Mi^jrih eB^esi^sefr spQt^^u^ a.6V«^^5U ^l^loi I'jfii^&rr Q&i
Although one has acquired a thousand arts, he will still feel the
necessity of earthly show.
748. SjftQjTLCt QuiuenfTds Qds/r&rpeu^ ^synr^yieu^^iusir.
He who has killed a thousand persons is half a doctor.
Though a thousand may thereby be obtained^impetuosity is not good.
Though a thousand persons unite, they cannot kill a single grain-
insect
•^51, ^u9inh Ouirosr (SuffiL® lu/rSssr eurriiS ^sanruuessr^^ ^ibj -^
After laying out thousands for an elephant why hesitate to give half
a fanam for a goad t
<52. ^iQjru^ ^€S)iris!rpuemu^,
A thousand eighths of a fanam.
753. c^ttS^ii Q^frs\)^<3i(^^ ^etnir srag^^^
Half a letter U equal to a thousand words-
, Will it proTC a loss if one of a thousand cows kicks I
75 u ifiQ LD rr L^\
755. Mu9jrth u^ssTfLfGireir ^LJues}ii(^iJ iQpm^LD ueoe^i (S^^ 9(5
Although born of a father possessed of a thousand palmira trees, lie
has not a fibre with which to pick his teeth.
756. ^uQiFLD umJbi9^Grr ^q^ Q^&nfr ^suuiLu.rrp (Surrey,
Like a toad among a thousand serpents.
757. ^u9jrih Qurrek Qupp im^<ss)irs(^ ^ssifruueasr^^^ ^aji(^.
Half a fanam to buy a whip for a horse worth thousands of gold.
758. c^'tSiTLD n5p(^essTL£i e^(f^ (Sev/rui^essr^^frid QsSIld,
A single avaricious desire will destroy a thousand good qualities.
759. ^(/9^ii) Qurr&ffQupp (y^^€5)ir^(^u^ ^eui^if- QenesurQiD^
Even a horse worth thousands of gold may require a whip.
760. ^ii9irijb QufTiu OdP/rcucfldB (?5S5/r«9S50<sB «l1®.
Tell lies by the thousand and build a temple.
761. ^ii-i^ulFesiiSv^ ^pSik^eum j^pplio e^Q^eusifr,
One of a hundred makes a skilful swords-^man.
762. ^iLj^LD ^evevrrs^T ^i^&Qp^tr ?
What ! strike the unarmed i
• 7
63. ^(oiun-^ssr Qp^^^eo ^u^^Ln Q^QSp^Qunre^,
Like seeking a weapon in the face of battle.
It rains in successive torrents.
An ill-considered undertaking may occasion the agony of death.
766. -^i^««(J^/fP j^jr€ssrLDSssrss(^ ^^^^,
A female with an inauspicious mark on the neck will prove an
evil in a king's palace.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 77
761'. ^jri—fT gSlLl^^ LDfTGtsfliULD fs/rCS^sT eQiLQiQ^^sssT (Su.6sr ,
Sirrah ! who invested you with a free tenure, I did it niytelf.
A Uug continued farour is regarded as a righfc.
168. ^irrrSis^LD ui^iuerrm^ dSiLi^^fr ?
Has. any one measured out my daily allowance ?
169. ^if^Qh^'^ ^totnrQeu&sr ^sfr/s e^L^LD€S)uiLiLD LfsmSsifsriLiLD Q&ir
How many shall I serve with this debilitated and ulcerated body T
I m
By whom was I ruined, by twisted hemp.
Although engaged in a mere puppet-show, one ought to keep the
eye on the main chance.
He is fearless and shrinks not in the presence of any foe.
Who is really true to another ?
To whom were you bom ? you cry for butter-milk.
<75. sf^Q^ds^rrQej^LD ^QjrirsLa Qi^tujsrrco foiflirjpi /BfriLQun'jpj^^^
Treachery against any man will be jslowly requited, but treachery
against one's self will meet with immediate retribution.
A wife who has Jio connections is to he pr^^rred and so the friend'-*
ship of OUQ.
'• ^(B^ ^(3^ SL^ffl/ ? fltnLjUi iSetrSsiru^Ui ft-/r>«i/.
I Who are related to each other f the mother, iaadhwr cbildj
78 ULpQLhlTi^\
He is said to have performed Ashwamedha, (the sacrifice oi ».
horse) in an uninhabited countrj^
779. «|i€5)/r /BLDi9^ (S^fTififr srQ^S(^ <^ppixi (SuiriLi^irij ?
My friend, on whom did you depend for asBistanee yf\itn you pul
up a picotta to irrigate the k£r rice I
An efficient picotta is worked by two, frpqn«ntlj bj^three men.,
780. ^(^Jrir Q^^^nek er&fQ^ ^Q^^fr&sr,^
Some one died : someone cried.
781. ^j^ -%^^^^ Q^^^^Lb OurTQ^^ eBif.i6/Sfr€\) O^ffiiLj-w;
In the morning it will be known wiiose mother is dead. .
Whomsoever you delay to pay, the debt of Md'ri must be at. once »•
discharged.
Maci is the Goddess whapi^esides over. p€;sti]ence,.&c.
783. •Sl.fr r^t^emiui Q^®m9 ^6wr^C?a/<5^Lb QufTiLL-iruj ?
Whose, family did you intend to. Txiyjx when you assumed . the guise •
of a religious mepdicantJ
No m9»tter. who pounds it if we obtain the rice. .
He who is as dangerous to society as the poison of a serpent will be,<
ruined. t
786. ^e\)^iULD ^lSit^sld eQe^Lo^
Indolence changes nectar^ into poison.
Who, informed the biids that the banyan tree was in fruit ?
788. ^eQ&frQiup Lfei)^(T^eQ,
A parasite on a banyan ttee.
TAMIL PROVEEBS. 7*.
As the banyan and the acacia strengthen the teeth, so Ndladiy^r
and Eural give force to speech.
Naladiyar and Kiml two celebHited poetie works on. moraJ.aubject8.
I am beconpe a bruised reed tossed on the waves.
The temple understands not th€ hidden meaning of the Vedas.
The flowers of the olive, Basaiaj are regarded as sugar in ^ place ;
without a mgarcane, mill' ^
As the pendulous roots pf its branches support the biinyan tree.
If jbhe bai^yan be ii}ii:uit^;thi.tl^r, if the. arasu,., hither, the hirdsi
flock. .
May you prosper as the banyp^n withi its daughter-stem^., take root
like the wide-spreading arugu grass, and as the bamboo amid-
unfailing friends.
A pongratulatpry es^pression |Lo, a peivly mi^si^ied pouplei^ .
The month of August is attended with incessant drizzling, .
81. ^&ifi€Si^ juL^jriT^ urreujietnfi Ofim^jrnr&r^
H^.is not subject 'ta.calamity who pursues not a sinful course.
X
What avails mere desire, he will livei wiUrbe not|i£hesT$''Allows rice T
\
80 utfiQin /r:^.
799. ^(SuiT&DjT ^SsOttyti ^u,i^<i(^^a^iJD,
Even the leaves of the avdrai may be useful iii misfortune*
800. ^QeuGsrjpif QufresTiSp^ ^errerfl ^®Sp^ ^ir ?
After his last gasp who will distribute our 'food]
80^1. ^(S&i^ iSpLbfT^e^jLD^ uirioQeujru tSptbirQu^ir ?
Will the colour of the skin of a cow affect that of its milk T
*802. ^IfiLD/SllLllh ^fBlSl<S\) (cLD&frLa ^/SIlLjLD ^JTSiiLb,
The 6nkil fish is acquainted with depth/ ^id the snake know8 tbfe#;
sound of a drtim-
This reference to the instincts of animals serves to indicate the
aptitude <bc, of individuals.
803. ^,(fi^ ^/6lfU(fLhe\) «/rSso iBi^(rQ^,
Do not step down unless you know the depth.
With an ilak of rice in hand and a pot that will suffice to boil only
three fourths ^6f it look at the ostentation the Mudaliar displays.
mif^di) er&sresr P
What if the great deep "vrere an extended field and all the world
standing com T
Eren-then each could enjoy only what he might consume.
806. ^etniimLL^fr^eu£uj^(^u Ques!STQL-.&sr ?
Of what use i» a wife to him who cannot govern her I
m
The grief occasioned by the death i^ a hnsbfliiid will not be remov-
ed by a flood of teals.
Ti.l£IL PBOVEBBS. 81
She who has no hosbftDd is like sand ia the bed of a river*
Uneertftin as to position.
The raven demon crying for kaiiji when the weltto-do cannot
obtain a ^grain of boiled rice.
810. *g(55«(5 g^(5 (5lL®« (^iLif.^£^ih ^€u^i(^u lj^^
Although each of you inay cuff the fellow, he WiU not thereby be-
come wiser.
Being buffeted by every one, my head has bec(»ne as large as a
water-pot.
." ■ II.. ■ y.
He may escape recognition in a crow^.
'813. jjSstr j^fSk^^ir&ir ^^i&((j^esr^
After ascertaining the character of the person he tindeininines his
interests.
Man must be tested by man and fish by tamarind acid
5. ^Swr «gj«Yr (m^^LD ^entjBi(Bi(^u u^^u Qusinfra (g^^tii.
Personal valor enables one to encounter ^an enemy, but outward
show will scare away ten.
What, do you take your metoure of a person 'without eyeing him
idl around ?
liook at the person, look at his face.
Spoken in derision of a boatter.
82 U:lfi Q tL/T L^.
818. ^SsfTU u/riT^^ eaiTiU'iTe^) ^(u^^ir&ir.
He eyed the man and deceived him by his talk,
, 819. ^<siT ^dsfr^ (^^^Lby u<%L.LD u^^LJ (ou<ss)rr<i r^^jmh,
One man may stab one, threatening may stab ten.
Will a sword cut unwielded f
821.. ^<^ ^(54<a5« O<fB/rS50 <3FITlLlLbir ?
Is he who is yet alive, murdered I
822. «^^ ^eoeoiTu u^-iu. ^thue\)Lci^
Mere weapons are ineffective.
823. -^^ ^err/B^Sso semL^rrey) Qjsfretfsfl lS^^^hj uiriLjii,
When a dhony finds her steersman unskilful she pitches.
, Spoken of somelliJDg going wrong from want of skilL
II I »
24. ^err (oTp Sir (stj^uld,.
As men embark, the surrounding water rises.
■4*i«"M*^pa
825.. ^<^ Q^jT^jB^mfrSl^u^ ^ilj^lo LS®<«(g,
Though feeble in person, his weapon is powerful.
. When, numerous, fishermen combine together, multitudes of fis'
may be caught.
Neither six nor a hundred are required, let. that be which will h
828. ^Qjfiii (Sujru 0u6ifr^ujLj.i9p/B^ire)) ^([ff^^ Qt^^^esrih iS(fi
If the sixth-bom? be a female, a family of ovecdowing weafll
will be reduced to powder.
829* ^/S^u^ iFfreij j^/S^ia ^ffSif. ; ,
Death may occur at siX; <» at a hundred years of agc»
TAMIL PBOYXBBS. 83*
Cold kanji is old kanja
831. ^fSlesr i^GSfresS^Ui ^^® iSp(^tii.
There will be a scab even after the wound is healed.
Interrupted amity though restored will occasion suspicion*
8S2. ^fS^eo j^i^&Q&) €UfriT ^(ffeQiLt-freo iBL^fTeBQeo euirar.
If copl pour it into the mould, if not pour it into the lai^ge iartken
pot.
. ■
Miutrnr fsfr^jr.
To avow fraternal relationship until the river is crossed"; andto>
ignore it on- arriving at Hm opposite bank;
u.
Where six marriages a<^ 6em^ c6fe&ra^^(2 three women are pressing;
and nushinsr.
and pushing.
5. ^^f sfT^ia ermSpQuirQ^ Q^irsuGStfr^&D/s ^eBLpuiu^Qesresr ?•
Why loose your waist-cloth on mentioning that the river is yet:
ten miles^off I
Plant reeds to deatroy a rivei', to destroy a country introduce^
yam.
Weavers who neglect tillage, and foul the water by dying gro^
oesaes dec are here referred to.
The^ river has destroyed one half and the jungl6 the oiher.
■ >' ■ ^— — — —
ioS. ^^ iS&Dpuj^ ^e\)LD Qu/r^^Ln ufnuQp^ Q^ir^^ih ^/riuQ
p^ Q^fT^^iii,
Thou|^.iihe river is iia ftiU flood part of it flows on in »<^ C(?ur^e^
and part> dlTerges,
84 uifiOu^rrtp,
ThoEU^ the river is full to overflowing, a dog laps.
Amid the greatest abundance one can only enjoj wlia'} is required
•840. '^J^ iSi^ssr ^€sri(^& (^errih iS/s^eu^ ^iBCo^fr ?
Having swum a river, will it be difficult for me to swim over i
tank ?
What is a mere channel to him who has swum a rivef* ?
^42, ^Jpif Q/BfTfTtULj (Suirdsnr^,
^ A river nevet- flows straight.
^4tZ» c^,52/ Q/Bjrirssr emir tSSso iSlev^ir^,
A town in the coui'se of a river vrill not endure.
€44. «^^ ufTirMu Quits ^uj^^i(^u Qt^^^^ ^^ljlj,
^ke old dame caught a cold by going to look at the river*
845. «^^ QurreuQ^ Qurri^ ^ir^m Q^fre\)6uQ^ ^S/rui^,
The flow of a river is its course, the utterance of a ruler is i
decision*
846 • '^J^ LDn&=u uujessrih ^^S /SL^m^ireo QptjiiLjUifr p
Can a six months journey be accomplished if the party waJ
hesitatingly ?
An arduous enterprize requites unremitted exertion.
Six months in the jungle and six at home.
As Saturn seized one for six months together.
849. ^j^u> «L-€Jr j^^Lb «/_6ir Qu(T^<is^ »Ql^
DeH ii^ d^bt whether it afffiounts to ax or a kiindred
bake the caVes large.
idred; youfd
V
TAMIL PBOYSBBS. 85
Their severity is mo»t felt, when a flood subaidea, and a &miiie
terminates.
All the way is bedewed with tears, and the foot-prinis are red witib
blood.
He aims to expose me, after comforting and abusing me*.
53. ^piSQ<so QuirQp ^essT^Qsur jf/uurr (g^-, ^^'^ O'?-.
Drink sir, and drink the water that is flowing in the river.
Spoken of apparent generosity which in reality coats nothing.
fle has one foot in the river and one in mud.
Said of one inyolyed in inextricable difficulty.
Althougli you are throwing it into the river, measure it first.
Though water in a river is up to one's an]de only, dome will wa44
with hesitation.
^^7. ^pfSQeo sssQ^Sp^ messreBQeo ^euj^Qp^^
Creepii\g along a riv^ and sinking in the sand.
I am tossed about like a tuft of sacred grass that has been«tBi;ai«n<
into a river.
W9. ^pfSp ^eSi^^pB LjSlfltLfUi ^lEI^iTlf-iSLLL- U ^ Q^lSyfT iQ p ^i
It is the pulp of the tamarind fruit dissolved in a river, and.dbaff;
sent to the bazaar.
Said of things useless and nnaTai|ii»g.
•860. ^Pf^P ObQ^Qeuerretrtii mfriiiQ^Gsresr ^etruLf^ ^earssffir.
The river is in flood, but what of that to a dog Mt is only a fordable
stream.
'861. J^pjpi^(j^u uirlruuiTm ^dsimimr, (S^irpjui^u uiuppiisinu
Will a Brahman be of any use when one crosses a river, or pulse
in pod serve for a curry ?
Both the river and weather are dreaded.
I neither went to the river, nor put oft' my shoes.
The flood of a river and the reign of a king last but half an hour.
'865. ^pj^if iLGSffT^ jif€rr6Qt^A3h.L~/r^,
The sands of a river cannot be counted.
'*866. ^P£if iSsftifT m/ruj /5<iS« (^if-i(^Qi£ifr erQ^^s (m£^<i(m(Sui!r ?
How does a, dog drink the water of a river, by lapping or by lading t
867« j^p(ss)pi aL^m/BeoQeoir ^Memit ^pQeueirrQiJb ?
Before ascending its opposite bank it is necessary first, is it not
*o cross the river I
•'868- ^pes^pk at^/B^ireo ^t-.<i«/r^ga/<s5(^ ^q^ Q^triLQ^
After (crossing the river the1x)atman gets a cuS".
Sfrft, J^pesipm «i-^^ffl8® ^dsir^^^p upisi (^eSesi^ ^(i^SQp
He says, carry me over the river and I will give you a pill that w
onable you to. fly through the air.
'870. ^esr^e^edtru^eo j^eu^fSekiirQiriT ?
Can one comprehend the future as well as the past 7
.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 87
r
After the river has carried away every im^nabte deity, do you
stay to celebrate an aquatic festival in honour of Hanuman I
Said of one seeking the lesser aid when the greater has failed.
872. ^fijrmLl®^ ,^^!refliui^^^LjQufnL(Slf ^i€sx^Qufre\) 6Bkfi<i
Having spent all he stares like an owl.
^^^_^___^,^
Having lost his capital, it will not be dif&cult for hina to lose his
reputation*
I I ii ■ III ■ I « I
874, ^eareysir ^srr^eussr ereuev/r^^jjjyii 2_63aT(3.
The good and the bad exist among all
In <*
8(Spsir,
If I succeed I will pour it into a mould, if not, into a large pot.
Aceonimodating one's conduct to circumstances.
Do not be^in to- build in June ; nor set out to occupy a house in
March.
In Jime half a river, in August a full river.
In June sugar-cane is like an elephant's tail*
An elephant moves when eating, a house eats without moving.
An elephant waits before the outer haU of a king's court ; a oat
watches the putrid fish.
8$ uffiQ tuiri^.
881. «^^ ^u9jrLo QupQjfeo ^tf^iLjih ^aSirii Quj^ntfT ?
. lif an elephant fetch a thousand^ will the mark of his footstep be
worth so much p
882.. ^3ar ^(t^i^ ^Fd^fredsn^ ^l^^^Q&) y^Sssr ^Q^i^ Lfe\)un3
'- A cat sits and mews in the place once occupied by the royal
elephant.
An ordinary cuny fcr an elephant and a superior curry for a cat.
884. ^Sw SLfiwri- efferr/T/B/dBsjfl (Surrev,
Like a blighted wood-apple swallowed by an elephant.
Why enter by a <»mer when mounted on an elephant ?
886w ^2wr (ejfSi^ ^iLt^eufTaQdo ^sfDLped/rjrrr P
Will one mounted on an elephant enter through a wicket t
uiu&sr ^euSso.
It is of value though an elephant brings forth a single young one,
but the many young ones of a pig are of no value.
One good thing is better than ten bad ones.
888. «^^»w ^L^i—^ ^irir €uiTssTQpiLL^LJ. Qurnr,
The stalks of the grain are so strong that an elephant may be
to them, and the stacks are as high as the heavens.
Said in exaggeration of an abundant harvest.
As the blind quarrelled about an elephant tbey had examined.
890. ^Ssifr ^^^^0i^L£i ^u9jruy Ouirm Ouj^Lct,
Though black, an elephant will fetch a thousand gold pieces.
I
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 89
If an elephant be lost, is it to be sought in an earthen pot. f
I3 the elephant in the rice-pot or in the Water-pot T
893. •gSjw Q^iLl^ eufTiuireo, ^iL(Sli @^^ (SsiLSp/sr ?
What, does the mouth that asked for an elephant ask for a lamb !,
Having given the elephant is there a dispute about the goad T
895. ^Jbw Q^m^pfSeo ^i^<i(^Qp^(Sufr6\) gt/b^ldlLQld ^l-*^
Sp^ ?
How long shall I conceal it as an elephant incloses a thing iu his
jaws ?
8%, .^S53r<i aeuQijD llP/sst^ ^(mQih,
The deceit of an elephant and the thievishness of a cat.
Keep away from an elephant sixty cubits, and from a dwarf seventy
cubits.
898. ^d5srs(^iJD ufrPjesr<i(miJi <3=ifi.
The same reason is applicable alike to elephants and earthen pots.
W. <^&8r<55(^£i L/6fl<i^a3 Q/B(mU&DU'i S6mL^T€\) uiuih.
The elephant and tiger are afraid of fit e*
900. ^2ssri(^u> «^'?- ^j:n^(^i^.
Even an elephant may slip.
801. ^^<i(g^ ^^uSQiM effiLi^GOy ^iL®i(^iLL^i^u u^^llit ?
Will a lamb be famished in a place where elephants are fed ?
As if a lion bad entered a herd of elephants.
90 utfiQiD/rt^.
903. ^^T<i(^^ Q^en^rr sm^-P
Are toads fit for elephant's food T
904. ^^^(^^ ^p(S)tii ^mssr^^d5(^ LSerr^rrtLith Qeu^Qih,
An elephant requires a goad, and boiled rice a chilli (condiment.)
905. ^35W«^ ^€V^ ^!resTe^Lb LDesylfilLILD,
An elephant is not affected by sunshine or rain.
The elephant has its time, the cat also has its time.
907* ^y^ssr Q<9'^^fr6^LD ^Lu9jrih Qu<r^.
Although dead, an elephant wiU fetch a thousand gold pieces.
908. c^Swff- ^'LpeSiu c^siurrQeo ^® ^(Lpei]Qp(o;^ir ?
. What ! does the hand that has caressed an elephant caress a sheep 1
909. ^^Ssw ^m ^SsOu9^ ^rrQesr ittemdssvTU QumLQ^Qesirefr^siF^LD,
The ele{)hant will put sand on its own head.
To see this done by wild elephants when trafelling through a
jungle is very interesting.
As an elephant gives the chain to tether himself.
Said of one who, whether cousciously or not, supplies means to hit
own disadvantage
Though chased by an elephant, it is not right to enter a temple.
912. «^^ SLfi2s\)LJ ufTiTdB^B^ ^euSsiT sffotkiS^pQuirQeo,
As a frog trembled at the shadow of an elephant.
913. .g^Swf u(Sl^^rre\) ^efrubiLi^u^^
When an elephant lies down its height will equal the stature of a
man.
When an elephant lies down, will he be lower than a lamb I
TAMIL PROYBRBS. 91
915. .g^ uirnr^m QeuenQetTQ£^^ir p
Are your eyes too dim to see an elephant ?
You must be bliud indeed
916. ^Sssr Qurr<osr eff^
The street by which an elephant passed.
917. ^^esriS^i^LJ i9sif)ifiUUfriT<3sen/r ?
Has any survived after being trodden under foot by an elephant I
918. ^&ar (ttlLl-^ ^/retr eufTiSsrQpLLL-LJ Quirfr^
Stubble as high as an elephant, stacks towering to the skies.
919. ^Sar QiniL^th s/riLi^e\) ^iL(Blm(^u.t^ Qubiu ^l-^ ^6v2soujtP
Is there not room for a lamb to crop its food in a jungle where
elephants feed I
920. M2sia(Si£i(Ses) QutrSpw^sffi^ ^em^a^LDLj (S<XLLL-rrp(Surre\),
Like asking chunam (lime) of one who is going along on an
elephant.
921. M^QiDeo ^L-i— unrjTLD u^SssrCSuotS)) ^LLL^rrfb(SuiT&).
As if an elephant's load was transferred to a cat.
Even an elephant may be impeded by arugu, Agrostis linearis, grass.
This grass is sacivd to Gan^sa.
923. ^ieifriLjih ^SssriLjiii QpiLQiDQutr^ ^&nt^u9eo ^suuiLu. Oar
As a gnat between two elephants that are brought into collision.
Give an elephant to a pundit, and a cat to a mountaineer.
Is he who slew an elephant unable to overcome a cat ?
92 u tfiQ LLir i^.
After having.paid a thousand gold pieces for an elephant, why hetk
itate to buy an iron goad ?
927. ^Sosr&Diui (^^^j^ &h6trdsrr(Se\) QpQeurrefr,
She wiUl stab the elephant and cover it with a sieve.
J)28. 4)^S5w«nuj<i siL.uf.f3F a^€am!rQe\} menpuufr^r^
Having tied the elephant she will cover it with a winnowing fani
■ — I
Like putting one s hand into a water-pot in search of a missing
elephant.
Having sold the elephant he begs for the goad.
981 • ^^osrsDiu^ ^6m6miBs\) ^(i£^Sp Qp^2sOy L^Sssrsniu^ ^«3)/ru2«u
Can an alligator which can draw an elephant in water, drag a cat
on dry ground ?
ft
632. ^3wF euQ^th i9&sr(S6sr iDessfl ^s^^sf eurr^LD Qps^rCSesr,
The sound of the bell is heard before the elephant makes its appear-
ance.
Spoken of events which east their shadows before.
93?). -J^Skar ey/reu t9t^^^i ^etDfrQiupevirih ^tL(Si^iLif,t^^T €uireo
iSi^^^s ssstnrrQtupcvirLnfr ?
One can cross a river by holding the tail of an elephant, can one
do so by holding the tail of a sheep T
On the death of an elephant the tusk remains, on the death of a
tiger the skio.
TAMIL PROYItBBS. ' 93
A cat will be a small thing to an old dame who swallowed an
elephant.
936. cg!W eQQpfS^frp (^^€^fr ldlLl^ld,
When down, an elephant is as high as a horse.
937. *J^^(Ssu^Ui ^L.iW(^LCi ^piL[f,ujfreo,
The force of an elephant is subdued by the goad.
is)-
The coDtemptible will not be praised,
•9S9. ^ai^&n(rS€\) urraSscu Qu/riLQ ^dssenfriB^i) Q6i!r(mQ^tTLDLj ihQ
He puts down the seed pagal (a creeper) on this side of the river
and erects a supporting pole on that.
Like a vessel that contained assafoetida'
941. ^^S^^ sfTiDiuLCi ^ir^&ajLo j^6^e<>Qeu.
A thing that is greatly desired is not secret.
Like a monkey that has eaten green ginger.
Where is the way of the perverse I on the head of the m\n that
is lying down.
If p«h3Q[ittlkl he vnU pull down the chouHry.
latii&aiiDg that jfiteinoBs 6f vid^Bt ten4«itctes imi»t be at onct
repressed.
94, utfiQu^fT £^.
The right hand helps the left and the left the right.
946* @^^ eiJ€\)Lb Q^fiojir^euQ^® ^essrddBLD UGmestfri yh.L^ir ^,
One may not make friendship with him who does not know thfr
right side from the left.
IntimatiDg that one mast have DOthing to do with fools.
947, ^^ ^65)<£F (dSlLL- UfTLDLjQufTeO^
Like a snake that has heard thunder.
948. @^?-'^(5** (gewL- i9if.<i^v\)irLDfr ?
Will an umbrella be of any use in a thunder-storm T
949. ^QSp O^iueuLh enEJ(^LD ^[Qih,
A liberal deity will give every-where;
950. ^QuLj €S)6U^^ ^z— OLD^€V/rii ^QuLj emeu^^fT^,
In every place on which he reclined he constructed a heartlk
Spoken of one vf ho takes care of liimself.
■ I III ■ ■ .
951. ^®LJLy g^^/5^ Q^OTL^^f^ ^rrp (^^(oUJ «P.
The mortar hole is the asylum of the fowl with a broken back.
, • «
Oppreesora sleep- not day or night
U III.
953. ^(SgU^ l9^G^<3F Oujpi&i^ (oLDir,ffif^LD.
Alms-giving secures heavenly bliss.
■1 •" 1^— o^^— ^«->^«
954. ^Qeurriir i9s^€Si<3r6S)tu<i Q^Qeufrir Q^Quu/rir,
The evil-disposed will destroy the good deeda of the be»eficeutt
^^QarrQ^^ iBireo!r&s)0'tLjiii ^IrpflfreirirLo,
It is said that she waited patiently for her mistress assured sb
would be rewarded ; and ai lengtii she gotaiuieasure of nee; aiH
her four desires were met»
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 95
The cumam of the shepherd caste is dead^ henceforth the peasant
may prosper.
957. ^^L- ^iriuih/ff (^L_ii ©«y)i_.
The waier-pot remains aslant as when put down.
958. ^esiL^^O^Q^eSso (Sd5/re\)ih euqF^LdQufr^ (^^^O^q^ cteikos
ermSQrfetr ?
When the marriage procession comes along the shepherd s street
she asks where the potter's street is.
959. ^GnL^UtSpULflh SBeS)L^Ul9pLJLILD ^^fT^,
Middle and lower ranks in life are not good.
960. g)«DL_LJ L/^P lai^fi.SQeo.
The sense of the shepherd is in his neck.
961. ^csiL-tum Q^®^^^ uir^ LbeT>i—\u&sr Qs^Q^^jfi ufr^.
The shepherd destroyed half, and the simpleton destroyed half.
A shepherd's marriage takes place at day-break«
Among shepherds there are no Saiva mendicants, among potters
there are no Yaishnaya mendicants.
964, @6B)Z— ^^ Qi^fTUjCS^rrehr ldSswoQcu ^^dssev/r^ QuiUQp^evfnu ?
Even a demon will not. hAunt the dwellijEig of him. that dofeats the
hopes of another.
If one's desires are in excess of destiny, will they be obtained S
'■II » 11 I ■«— *
Is it fit to wish for more than what is already given I
96 u LpQ LLtr y^.
967. ^lLl^cu^ ^L^freQiLL^rrev QeuLL®uu^s,
If the giver cease to give, mortal hatred will ensue.
968. ^iLL^irtrs(^ ^®, Q^;i^fris(^ ^'^.
Give to those who have given, weep for the dead.
He knows how to eat if food be set before him, and he knows how
to carry if the burden be laid upon him.
570. ^fiwr«<fl?/r(?ir/r® ^essriif^eu^ ^^Ifi^^.
To associate with the obstinate will bring. disgrace.
971, ®J5y crsJrear Q^euefrerrfidss/nu eQjbp uiLi^essriLir ?
What ! is this a town in which water-melons were sold ?
972. ^^^Ssar Quif)iueussr esy^smtuu i9if-^^/r&) eruuuf- imrLLQL-niL
When so great a personage takes one by the hand, how can one
say nay !
If this amouts to that how much will that corae to ? .
974. ^^^ ^9-^^ er/ifl /BfriLfUi jF/r^^ii,
Such a blow would kill any dog.
975. ^'ij^ er^Lb€if)ui mt^uuirQesT&ir Qa^irisfBiJUW^LJ Qufr€UT
Why gnaw this bone, and why lose one's own teeth I
976. @«/^« ^k.(LpsQdsfr ^^^iesr ^Q^mrrunjb p
Is it for this gruel that so many sacred namams are used t
What, is it for this gruel that I have Bttde twenty-eight niimaini
*
li one die during this famine will another famine pull off his hair ?
k>A<
He is as if one said of a cat> will this also d]fink milk ?
980, §liB^LJ Qu(7^€tni£iiLim ufs^s\) ^iP(5^ ufrir^eyy^iufT u^dsuvr^
Oy headnmn, hast thou Noticed this greatness, and th« beauty of th^
Pandal ?
Why do you treat this dog in this way ?
^82. §ji0jr2ei^&' ^fB^jrSssr ^Ssotu/rCJcu LDempuu/rerr^ ertb^QF^ihjnr^
dssrs GnsajfrQed ubetnpuutretr*^ .
.4 She will conceal Jtipitef and the moon with a leaf, and Yama, the
regent of the dead, with her hand.
The defects in the eye-lashes are not apparent to the eye.
■aM^dU
Yama the reg0ii of ike dead^ kills one ai a time, a pu3otta may kill
three at once.
Is the habit natural or acquired !
' I ■ ■ -
986. ^ffssui ^ioe\)irfisir&r Qm^^iJ^ ^(^laiSjji/a) ^tf^^.
I The heart of one Toid of compassion is harder than iroiik
187. ^jTs^u Quir^^Ld &pid5Lj QunrsCSsu^essTQui^
Though you.go a^b^ging, go decei^tily . a^ttired*
Are there those who have no pity ? If the woxxj^woman be uttered
«ven ad^on will be mqved .with jcompaaskm.
1
98 uifiQinjifi, .
989. ^iTewrO. ^iLifJSsi) emL-t^ eStLu, (^•C-t^Quire:^^.
Likc^a lamb allowed to suekiwo sheep*
SpokeD of a yoHih fuUof strengib and actiTitj.
990. ^irGm(Bi uC^L^ emifle» (^jjiEi(^th (y^t^ ^,^^^.
Even a monkey, wiy not sta^y in a village divided against itsi&lf,
991. gfirem® Q^JTGsSSs^ «/rso esyeusSp^rr ?^
Is it to plant your feet on two dhonies.;
Why fire in the house of a man that has two wives ?
993; ^jressrQ <sB^iLi^^ijb mSuj-ir^mu^ ^^s>l^i3Q^ Q^F^fs^^in fBtriui
It is said that the pup died between two- houses where marriage*
festivities were going on.
As a bone thrown to two dogs.
Though you have lo beg them, make your ofieriogs to God.l
996; ^jriQ^/rird^ ffgu^ &.€if)L^ujfrir «L-6Jr.
It is the duty of the ricKio give alTm to beggafs..
997",. ^jruueu^d(^ OeuessrQs'arj^ u^^f^f^ ?
I9 it difficult for a beggar to get -fine riee ? >
998. ^iruusu£pji(<^ eriEi(^th u^^ih ^6\)2so.
A beggar tnowhexe suffers from famine^
999. §jjreue)) o^emL-esiin ^GnsSFeu/riu ^(f^iSp^j ^^ iS&roofr ^Sb
The thing borrowed ^Buits; I swear by my child thi^t I'^will nj
return it.
1000. ^ireueo mfOhW^ ^q^i^^ ^peair?
Is A thing boicrowed a durable possessioii, is a thief a friend T '
TAMIL FROVEBBS. 9fr)
Will borrowed rice prove a security against famine ?
1002. ^Jreup PSs065)(u /siinSI ^(Sulj^ siken^^iu er/SiB/BrretrfTLD,
It is said, that relying on a borrowed cloth, she threw away her
tattered cloth.
None ever prospered under Sithu, nor was any one ever ruined
under Jupiter.
Rahu is the name of a monstrous serpent ordragen, the ascending
node, and regarded as one of the nine planets, which; with K^thu
the descending node, is said to grasp the sun aud moon periodically,
and thus to cause eclipses. When the supernals assembled at a feast
to drink the water of immortality obtained from the chnrning of the
milky ocean Rahu and Kethu, two ^sura«, clandestiaely got admis-
sion. The sun and moon saw them and at once informed Vishnu of
their presence Yishnu dispatched his marvellous disc anddcoapi*
tated them just as the coveted nectar was- about to enter their
throats They to avenge themselves resolved periodically to swallow
the sun and moon.
1004. ®3r/r« ^essTi^ ^(sofl LBi^iruQuire^ effiiSi&r <S68>^.
The story of one who in a dream of the night saw Saturn swelling,;
as a large pot.
1005. §^jnrf3=&ir <^/Suj (^^'Snrr^iDiuuCSufrev,
Like a horse ridden by a king.
As a lemon offered to a king.
A gift to procure his fatour : a hindu when offering a lemon OVv
fruit of any kind invariably does so with the right hand«
■^•»^»i
1007^ ^J^""^ SfBssxui^fTeiiQp^Qufrev^
Like carrying a ivoyaj mongoose.^
Though a king, he is the son of hia^motber^ .
'1*00 U f^Q Lh'fTi^. .
1009. ^JffT^^ Q^i5j(odifr€\) ^m /Bn-Qdu^syftu9'&),
A kirtg*s see^tte extends to the limit of his territory.
Though a princesSj she is -the wife of the mto "vrho has taken her
in marriaofe.
1011, ^jrir<3Ffr&fteiDUji smrL^ Qs/r^^^uOufrev^
Like a heron which saw a falcon.
As a slave lived on gruel because the king was in debt.
It is said that he 'who starved the whole night inquired if peeled
plantains could be obtained.
Does he who lies down at night fasting, etiq^uire after the price of
^ain 1
1015. ^jrn-LJUL-L^ssS^ urrQajirQu.,
The sense of hunger eitds on the tnat.
1016. ^jrfruu<35(S\) ^'6sst(ssSQeo,
In the eye night and day.
■I'll
1017. ^JTrrLDiir ^(f^i^ i)*-^ ^QvLilr^^.
Ayodhya was the city of EAma.
- ^ ' - ^ - ■
1018. '^jrirmm Lbibss^^Qajir® ^evfrlBiS^^ ^wld,
' •* Aoquie^jence'wifch the wishes of his wife was fatal to Rama.
■ I in ' *
1019. ^jrirLDSssruCSufr^ jrir^/r-^^i^frsv ^^Lbfr2ssrLj(oUfrev<3= C?<f6ii
If the king be equal to ^Blfitta, his 'i6€(rVaiit may be equal to
Hanumku.
Hanuman was ^^5 tnonlcey chief/ allj' Of Bama in his expedition
against Lanh». *■
TAMIL FBOVBRB&. iP
1020. ^jrir QpQ^^LD jTiTLDtnuesifru^ Q^lLQ^ ^€»^«(g jrirui^ cr&ffifsr
The story of one who having listened to the reading of the Bima-
yana a whole nighty asked what relationship existed between
S^ and Biuua.. . :
1021. ^jrjr(SLDdi'jr^^i(^LJ QuifiLjio ^si^skirm O^/rS^ouJaff^^,
Though he went on a pilgrimage to BAmbswaram; Saturn has not
l§fthini.
He is what Mah6dhi^a^ was, tg the fftioily of "S^m^ f^d what
Sakuni was to Suyodhana.
Said of one who Dnder professioug of frieudsliip sectetty plots
OBC-B ruin.
He is aa Bavana in the guise of a hermit. . .
It is said that the horse not only threw his rider, but dug his graTe?
also.
^025. ^Q^^Sp jy®r0?n/D.<i(g .(ST(f^iss)uxwJJ'(Sl- ^skQ^pQuireo,
Like a bufialo he consumes the day's supply.
\
1026. ^Q^iSlpeum Qs=di6s)0^^iriu ^Qhk^jr^' S^fri^ped^- Qs'&p
* r
If he who is being shaved sits properly, the barber will shave well.
If you wdflh to liv* hng, eat iron.
In tiflie a& wdU be in haxsnony.
Will the place on which we sit, incite I
'1030. ^(5^ a-68)£«65)Zi) ^JTir^JSBtEi^SO ,^«/r^.
Oblations made to a demoness must not be kept till the morning*
iffe who hat a double twirl of Imir, may live either on his own re-
Bource^ or by begging.
^1032. ®(5il® QeudeaOujrr (^q^lL® QeuSsoQiur ?
Was the work done in the dark or by the blind I
^1033. ^Q^lL(SI e0^iLQi(^etr Quir^eo ^^tLQiesiS iSpf^unr ?
Will his thievish hand be restrained when he enters a dark room ?
•1034. §)(f^iL(Si ^Lf.euirj^iiss>s^ ^Q^iLQi^ ^ss)L^ajirstnii.
It is a sign of thievishness for a family to live in obscurity.
1035. ®(5^2so m&i^ujGsr .uiTihefnuuCSu/reo^
Like a snake that has a head at both ends.
•1036* ^(5^Sso«0«a5/r6rr6rf? €rj)/LaLj(Sufrs\) ^Qesreir^
I have become like an ant on a fire-brand lighted at both ends.
'Spoken when in danger from opposite qnarters.
Must oire not sit before lying down f
1038. ^(5^5^ iBfTGo- ersO€\)irijb ^Q^ijpsSLLQ ^Mufruu^sypiu^i;^^
The story of one who after leading an unexceptionable course of life
gave his daughter in marriage to the village Pariah.
As the thunder-bolt fell on the head of the one who remained.
TAMfL PiEtdviBBfiS. I03
10}0. |)(5«/5 «/r6V ^Q'^eQ mi^/s/S ^rrisv 9Q^^,
The slaggish foot is Mdd^vi ike goddess of adviriity, tb^ actiye
foot is Shridfevi the goddess of prosperity.
These two ))€f8onigedVet'e produced wh6ii the milky o6eftn was
churned to obtain ambrosm. 'TIhbj play an important paiPt in the
economy of the Hindus.
1041. ^(T^ik^eu^6»(9^u Quir&treu&ir (^gsstld.
t I
He that went away was better than he who stayed. ^
1042. ^Q^i^euesr €r(i^ih^(i^^Slp^p(^efrQeir iSlmpeu&sr g^^ «/r^ii
Qurreufreir^
Whilst he who was seated was risingfy'thexnaB who was standing
h^d gone ten miles.
While squatting, a cat, when springing, a tiger.
1044. ^(T^i^rreo ^q^uiSir, (STQ^ts^Q^iB'^ir'io fSpiS^nr,
If sitting you sit, if you rise you stahii.
One must walk a kng way to get back the money letit When
seated.
1046. ^n^u^Q^iTQ^ mssitfiiLfth ereifr&isfl ^mptSiu^,
The twenty-one kinds of rain were enumerated and poured out.
What ! knocking down an iron door to obtleiih a bran cake ?
1048. ^(T^4JLj&' ^evnrstns&noj eQ^mjSuQuiriLQ g)g5©<F«F/rj2/ g^-^
If one has swallowed a bar of iron, will its effects be removed by
drinking a decociioji of ginger ?
Like an iron fort and a stone dooir.
.
1050, ^(5 ui^sr^ tniBiemsCSujirQ ^emm/Q^eifj^ ^euih,
Ta asfirdoiAte with^ a douUe minded woman is fatal*
■I ■■ ■ ■ ^pi^^— — ^
If iron becomes copper, a straw may become a* pillar*
Oce impossibility is as like as another.
1052, ^(W^ibLj^^dspfr^ Q^ed ^X)^(^wfT ?
Can white-ants eat an iron pillar ?
If iron can be converted into copper, copper may be reconverted
into gold.
It is said that when the wind was driving along a piece of iron,
the silk-cotton asked what was best for him to do.
1055. ^(iJtiL/icSzl^- UpiSpQufT^ ^eO€ULDU(^3hi(^ ^(y^LJiBuui
When a pi^ce of iron is flyiiig away, wheare will silk-cotton find a
resting place ?
1056. ^(f^LOL^ ^if.<iQp ^L^ji^^ fsfruji(^' er^esr Q^uSso ?
What has a dog to do in a smith's shop ?
i057. ^(I^LDLf i9l^^^ 65)<5tfy/i QjnEi(^ lQzJL/5^" €0)^11^10 O-LDLDfT ^Jfl^ fi>
The hand that has taken up an iron tool and the hand affected \fj
the itch will not be still.
1058. ^Q^i^i-f ^i^^Sp ^i—^^<so fBfrdji^ <sr^€sr Ss9)u,i(^LD ?
What will a dog get in a smith's step ?
1059. ^(fF,tiiLi^^^2sssr ioT^LOLj ^ifi^/Sirp(Sufre\),
As if an ant had gnawed an iron pillar.
TAM-IL PR6VEB,BS. 10.>
^rf^LDLj ^piL(Si(&^ ^ein^iufr^ LjoifliuiEJ^friLi ^Q^uun-iL^icj^
Will the tamarind fruit that has resisted an iron hook shake at a
sacred song.
In illii»tration of this proverb the following may not be con-
sidered irrelevant, la th^e year 1826 when I went Ut my tit>t
Missionary station, Trincomslee on the Eastern coast of Coy Ion, I
culled on th^ chief Mudaliar to pay my respects, and to nrge the
claims of ChrisHatiity. The old gentleman who remembered the
coercivt sjstem adopted by the Dutch for the propagation of Christi-
anity, and well knowing too that Missionai ies^ under the mild
sway of Great Britain can use no weapon but the Gospel, uttered
with great animation the above proverb. In view of the youthful
character of his visitor he seemed to feel like Goliath iu the presence
of David
61. ^Q^LdGfiU ^jr^LLLj ^.if}<i(^Li^rr ?
Can an ant gnaw iron I
Tan a rat eat iron ?
1063 ^(f^lX>&i)U STgQ 6B(5ilQ9p^ <5T&5TSl(m>&Sr uQdi<05frQifj ,
The infamousJiar says that the rat took the iron in its mouth.
1064. ^j(y^ihs!DU<35 sesipujfresr jj^/f^^^rrdv i9(m'^sj)iULj U(^/5^ Q^ir
If the white-ants can eat iron, why cannot a hawk carry off a cliild I
1065. ®(56U(5ti> ^^^JTs\^ ^6ssT<S(^eufr/r gt^ ?
If the two agree what need of arbitrators ?
i066, ^Q^eujrirQeo ^<x/f^ «/r/f?uJLo ^(Tj^eu/rfrQev ^--^lo/t ?
Can an affair be effected by one that could not be accomplished
by two ?
The friendship of two depends on the forbearauce of or e-
106 U LpQ LdlTL^,
1068. ^Q^<on&sr tSenSsn^i^^ ersQ^(^^3r u^^infr ?
Does the son of an Irulan^ a wild tribe, suffer fix)m a scarcity of
young rats I
1069. ^Q^en&ir jrir^eQtfi ^i^uutr^ ?
Can a savage put on the look of a king ?
1070. ^O©"^ g^® 6B7a)/i /SeVa/ii g^^/J S!T€<iLD,
A time of darkness, a time of moonshine
1071 • ^QirL-L^iuirQ{T ^QjnLi^ajfrQiT eTcisr(rrj>s»y ^6\)uffDU&f)Uj^ ^iL
The story of one who dropped his plough when accosted 0 Roddy,
0 Reddy.
1072. ^6V<95«65afrzi s^ppeum tg56\j<i«ti) ^p tussresrir £F€8iU aireifrurr&fr.
The learned will appear undismayed in a royal assembly.
1073. ^eVcffh^essrih ^(suevdfvi^essnh (Lp^^^Q<5\),
Beauty and ugliness are in the face.
1074. ^sD/E/dgwr/i uirub ^errisf.^LD,
Abstinence is the best medicine.
1075. ^6Vibi6S)65uQs\) iSpiB^eum ^6\)6\)/rLB ^iTfreuessr&fr ^eufr^ p
Are all that are born in Ceylon, Rslvanas ?
1076. ^CV/EyS3)<5Bg^iL/«F ShL-L- (^inEJ(^,
The monkey that set fire to Lanka.
1077. J^^a/ ^nr^^ QeffI ^Qsisr&sr^
1 am like the parrot that waited for the silk-cotton pod.
Spokeu of one who has been sadly disappoiuted in his expoebation^
The proverb is said to refer to a parrot that on seeing a green p<
< u a silk-cotton tree believed it would ripen into fruity whereas i(
eventual!} burst aud the cotton was scattered to the winds
1078' ^S^ue^uLJi^es)6iJ^ ^(f^LJL9^€V ^QFiLjpQfiLCi Qufr^^e\),
If the flower of ilupai (Bassia Longifolia) be turned, it will bd
found hollow on both sides.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 107
1019. §lSso jSfiJrsiffl sfriu ^/jSiufrek,
He wko feeds on leaves knows not the flavor of fruit.
1080. ^SsOtt/ii U(T^iJL/zi CTIB^Uy S-«BT®.
Leaves green and sear are found every where.
1081. ^Oe\)enS^Lo eneu^mio ^jremQih Qeu&sfrQih,
The secular and the sacred are both necessary.
1082. ^5V6U^ eu/rjrfr^ ^^metr^ Quir^tr^,
That which is not will not come, that which is, will not go.
1083. ^eOe\)pLCi Quif)^ J^/D6UpLD Sifil^,
Domestic life is better than that of the ascetic.
1084. ^ioeopLD Quifl^ ^peupui ul^ulj.
Domestic life is honourable, that of the ascetic is disgraceful.
1085. ^e\)s\)/r^eu^ Qun's\)e\)fr^sueir,
He that is destitute is wicked.
1086. ^e(ie\)fr^^ i9p6uiT^ ^(saenir^^ (a^e^piuir^.
That which is not, will not come out ; that from which nothing is
taken? will not lessen.
1087. ^s\)evn'^ QiS'/reoeQ ^si)s\)p uQ^so,
Uttering a falsehood and suffering the evil thereof
1088. ^susv/rSsrr eSiL® eusvevfTGkfretnija Qu^^Sip^ir ?
What ! is it to speak manfully after deserting thy wife ?
He lacks nothing, nor does he possess any thing.
1090. ^i\)6\)fr^eu(air Queisrs^fr^ GTeOG\)n'(7^<i(^iJo Q^iriBiuiT ?
Is the wife of the destitute the friend or companion of all ?
1091. g)coSso ermp efftLi^eo usoeQu^th Q^jrrr^^
Even a lizard will not enter a house occupied by the niggardly.
108 uya.QLOfTL^,
1092. §)&j(oioOmT ^JFUU^ ^UJ6\)LJ,
It is natural for the deatiiute to beg.
1093. ^euGfT eSSsaCcLon-fieo Q^asrQiB^nu erQ^^^ ^SeOu:i^^^(s^^
She will make butter out of the butter milk-given for sale, and
make provision for the marriage of her first-born son.
■ T » T »t t» I mm»
1094. ^€U^^^(^LD ^6ii^<i^Lb erffinrth Qurr^j^d^LD,
There are seven pointi of agreement between this ptrson and that
The advice given to him is likeassafoetida dissolved in the sea.
1096. JE)€y6W mn.jrnrQ^i(^LJ iBerrdotr,
He is the child of the whole viflage.
Said of a self-willed waodering youth
He is a clever roguB, what he ties with his feet it is difficult to
untie with the hand.
QeufTsiir,
He has attained the unattainable ; he can show Yaikundam Para-
dise in the palm of his hand.
1099. ^€U6Sr L{^Q £_6V<fE63)«5B«Q«/r(Tp/5^. .
His wit is as sharp as a wooden pestle.
1 100. ^lfi^^(^ eu/k/^suefT ^ireQ ^j^uuirenir ?
Will she who attends a funeral remove her maarriage symbol ?
U armony sets off a faulty stanzay
TAMIL PEOVERBS. 109
1102. §j(Lp^€U SGssrL^frii) ^9. ufriruuirQesr&sr ?
When the trail mat ks are befoire you, 'Why look for footprints ?
; 1103. ^€S)tp ^uQjrLo QufT&ir Qupp ^/B^^€UTeittrruLJiL(Sl,
A scarlet cloth each thread of lirhieh ia worth a thoTis^ind gold
pieces.
Thoroughly pounded and properly boiled.
When the smith perceives that the iron is soft, he will raise him-
self to the stroke.
The Indian smith squats at the forge, and rises to his feet only
when he uses a two-handed hammer.
1106. ^Gmm^<skj)/ uiuLb ^j6ltLiUi/r ?
Does a yoang calf know fear t
1107. ^erresiLLuSp (S^fTLouso Qp^sf^LDuS&ir LSi^sif)LCj,
Indolence, in youth will bring poverty in old age.
1108. ^GiT<ssiLDu9ev QpiupQ Qfi^ssjimBp <s5yr«(^ii>.
Industry in youth will support one in old age.
1109. ^erreiy)LDo9p uip^am eruQuir^ih mpeufr^^
The habits of early life will never be forgotten.
1110. ^GiretniniLiLo Qp^Gi^Lbu^LCi ^(fiiun'esr eu[u^s\)<oO,
Teutli a-nd seMlity do not properly belong to a man's a:ge.
nil. ^€trQ6Uu9<sv SfTiufT^ £-ttJfr-^ ufrujuQuirSlQiffdj ?
Do you who cannot endure the early beams of the sun presume to
walk 0 ver fire I
Although young he willjt>i&y ttte Wto.
110 UlfiQu^JTl^.
1.113. ^Ssrr/i^€U&r ^2sO(i9eo ff^/^ld (Su^ld,
In the tresses of & poor woman are found nits and licer
1114. ^ScTT/i^eu&sr SQesrS^SssrdF Qs^ir,
Associate with the friend of the poor,
1115. ^SsiT^aeuCo^!sr eretr^r eff«n^,
0 you ^eak fellow, sow the sessamum seed.
r.ll6. ^SofTiuirerr ^2so^ssr<s9fl y^^^ircir s/nu^^oSeufr&r,
The younger sister feeds on leaves, the elder is accustomed to frui
#
1117. ^dsTTUjnrQ'Sir eu/TL^ LD^eoiUfrenih QuirQeuiru^^ Qp^^^frQetr euifi^
QpLLi^aiOssfr&lsrQ.^frCoeu/rijD,
Come my younger sister, we will proceed to Malayalam ; come mj
elder sister, we will strike our heads together and die.
1118. ^P\^ (LppcSu up&D&j ^(^€\)^ srs\)€\)n-ui ^sir euii9/b€if)p^ fi^^
When mature and on the wing, all birds will look after their ow
food.
11;19. §)/D<55(j^ii «/r6V^ eui^fred i9piS(^LL Fr6=^<k;^^ Slp(^.
When death approaches, white-ants take wing.
Will white-ants take wing except on the appsoach of death ?
1121. ^pfBJ(^Ui ^6ts)pu9Qsd ii^^fr^e\)^ ^^^' ^fps^p (oTuuif-i*^
^8p^ p
If. on stepping into the river. one is obliged to swim, how willl
get across ?
1122. ^piEJ(^ QuT(Lp^Q&) LdQ^lB^ (5^»
Tjsike medicine at snnrset.
1123* ^pm^eu^ ^q^uueuspii^ €Uifisinlt^^ J
The dead is the pilot of the livings.
i
TAMIL PROVERBS. HI
The child of the dead is the ward of the living.
Sessamum and water offered to the dead.
1126. §iJpi^fi (S^^& ^&srir^^io ^evSso,
A family out of debt is out of danger.
1127. ^j^uu!r^k(^LJ u&ssrnpLD Sswl-ujt^, SL^&nrpLJUT^i -^lj
He who pays his debts cannot obtain money, nor can the labourer
obtain a wife.
H28. ^«n/D<yS ^ssrQpeuir ^(BlULj^r^ ihqf^ib^ ^jSleufnr,
They who live on flesh are acquainted with the medicine for tooth-
ache.
\\i^,^&fypii'Q- ^€sr(7tf>^uoi er^jih&nuds Q^sit^^u QuTiLQ^Q^fT&r
Is one to wear a neck-lace of bone$ because he eats flesh I
This and the preeeding praverb are somewhat: sJDgiilar but sot
unnatural among a.tegetariau people^
The water of a well always drawn, is fi'esh, that of a well not
drawn is fetid. .
U31, ^eSip^^ SgSST;^ 6rja(^LCt^
Hie water of a well always drawn springs .up a-freskj
1132, ^^sTLo i9fliB^ m!Tm(Su!rei>,
Like a deer separated from its herd.
U33, ^esflQibdo ^0_ O^iu^^ts^^i €s><9BQuj(S)iQp^rr?*
Hereafter is it to lift up the hands to a god !
Herfia(ter he may. effect hU purpose as far aa the realms of Yama«
112 U LpO LDfT l^,
1135. ^^ru(ifiLb' ^ssTUQpui Qu!r^es)inuSQiS^.
Joy and griefmust be regulated by moderation*
1136, ^esru^^€\) '^^^^ creuiri(^LD fi_6wr®.
Happiness is desired by all.
1 1 37. ^ekuQfiiii ^muQf.ih <ot(Bi^^ 2LZ_^i(g.
The body it is that is affected by pleasure and pain.
'■r .III nil -^-— ^^^
1138. ^63rj2/ ^Q^uufrnr mfr^^<^ ^evSso,
Those who are alive to--day may not be on the morrow.
» • •
He who cut (^ the leaves to-day may possiUy cut oflF the bunch
to-morrow.
1140, @6ir65)/D<i(g -%®P^ /5/r35»r«(5 ^^lLOo).
That which is practicable to-day iiiay be so on the morrow.
1141, ^€sr€s>pi^^ QiS'^^rrso /5/r2svr<i^ ^jr&ifrSl iBrr&r,
If one die to-day, to-morrow will be the second day.
1142, ^sirew/D eresru^m mfr.Ssfr ^&jru^th g)6iDSso €r.^u^p(^ Jf
€ISiU.UJirefTLD,
To say to-day, to-morrow, indicates refusal*
1143. ^ <s2koiLi/rLD^ O^eJr er(^LJUiTrrxmy ciQi^friLp i9ip.uufrn'dsefr.
They will take the honey without dispersing the bees, they vn\
take it without raising it up.
1144. FFems fiLCWL-iua/fiir ersss^eiFluLj ^GnL^eurr^^
The liberal giver will be happy.
1145. /^«(5 dSl^LD ^3soa9«v, (?^(65«c5<i QAft(Sl^Qe\),
In a fly, the head is the seat of poison^ ina scorpion; the tail.
(
tAlfIL PBOTEBBS. 113
All are against the winged white^ants.
]147. 'FcFcb ^p(^ ereoeoireupfSs^ij^ iBq^^.
The wing of a whit^-ant is the softest of all things.
The army perished like winged white-ants.
The frog leaps and swallows the swarming winged white- ants.
1150. ff^ssii^(^ ^^H S)^(3 ^GfTjpiih ^e^Sn),.
Nothing here is equj^I to God.
U51. /F<F<Fflb<*€}r(«5 er^^ih (^eSlir^^^
Date-paM toddy is the coolest of beVettigefii.
U52. fF^^th sfTiLif^er) ^Q^esiiD (^if-u9(/^/B^ «6w^.
The st6ry of a buffalo that lived iii «t date-palm grove.
115J, ffi^eJr uiTL^^^tT&ir jh^sntfiQiUQ^jp ^enu^u^^ir^,
A strong man fears not hardship, hdr does a bullock with a stunted
tail fear gnats.
Do not oppose your inferior*
1155. ffQetrerr (^t^6B(^6B (?«S) ^^Sso,
A wealthy family is iiot exposed to danger.
,1156. FFlLlf^lU QuiTQ^eitl^Lti errtp^Q^ S-fi»L_6»>'Lfi,
Learning is more substantial than acc«ah«lated riches.
A spear wouhds as far as it reaches; tii^^eet of money readies ten!
kathams (100 miles).
Like for like^ and equally in a pair are desirable.
S
114 u ipQttniT^^.
1159. FFiL®'i(j^iD u(nL®i(^LD ^Q^ipjrerr ^(St^w1fi\
The maiden who was given, 'injnhrfiuge wks 'equal to %fl the eii:
gencies of life*
1160. Ff'iB^ uiriT^^friv^LbLB QeueffI -^^jii.
The smallest fraption will com? orrt by division,
g)xaS=pl,075,300th i»art of a a|»iti.
* r - ■
1161. f^Ut9S<5sfl^irUU^3h.L^i ^^Q^LD,
A miser will, find e,ven begging difficult
Iiead may be melt^ can iron ? -
1163. f^fUiJi i9tf.^^eu&sr (oT ^ Q<^frSvjsSl^ih Q'iBGrrrr&ir,
He who h^ta^en.up lead will not liaten, no matter wb^t isW^i
to him.
1164. PFiuir^ Li<5V6d3o5r (5reit'cQu.^^^LD <95frQ^ih\
A niggardly savage is nowhere found;
1165. FBiutrHr Q^iL<ssiL^^ ^luirir QdSfr&freufrir,
The.w;ipked ohisin by rapacyity what the miserly accumulat<ei.>
1166. f^ojirir Ouirq^(ef^i:r^^^{Ufrir,
The, wicked enjoy the property of the niiser:
Flies and ants, abound eviery- where.
1168. FF^siUJu i9b^^^!reo ss>s (Ss^^gi/ ^sireo Qeujn,
If you^ catch, a, fly, its l^mbs willbe jseparated.
Clean as a fly and? strong as an ant
1170. ff^jr^&SeossyUuuQufrtLQds ssqp^^ ^f^i/uun"^.
He will cut the throai after tying a w^t Idlofth rt)\iiid it
J. 171. f^Jr /Bfr6Gp(^lsr\^LDLi ^eodso^
There is no boDe'ina slanderous tongue^
TAMIL PEOVEB^BS. U^'
11/2. ffiTLD ^pp ^L^^^Qeo k QLnmus(9jUirr, irjrih ^ar^ ®l-^^
Do insects swarm in a dry place or ia a wet place ?
1173. FFjrQeuiEi3Sfruj^^p(^ ^Q^Lh/iQ^iLQu Ljmfr.
In an onion there are twenty-eight coats,
1174. Ff^ir fSdosruufresr (Sussyir Lopi^ifSsr^
fle who tUnks of a nit will not forget its name;
U75. ifesifTu Qu^mQu Qu?tssru QuQ^u^frsfT ^iSQ^zrssr^
I magnified the nit into a louse, and the louse into Perum^l.
1176. PFnr a-0®;u Qu^ i^muu(SiUiir V
Will lieebe obtained when; drawing mts.betw^n^tbe.fllijpsx -a^
the thumb.
U77. FF eQ^i^/i^^^ih (Bfnu,^(nji^d^&frp;^LCi,
That which a bee ejects and that which adog has^stQkilt
1178. FF 6Q(ip/B^ ^nr^ih €T®.^^frQ^frt^ifjLJ Quttwtr f
Will a fly that l»i*s fallen into .the bdikdi rice go. onlaaa it be tal^eui
out ?:
I179» FFQeurr^^asf^ gp^ Qufr^esrihy ^jrLjQurr^i(m ^giretrCb,
To, the giver a^meal, to- the- beggar plenty.
-^ # •
1180. fFLp^^p Q<F6s<s!rL^ ^!EiQiS u^Lbuir/rdss,
The^ press is tarne<£ in Lanka, and the material unde^ pressure is^'
examined, here
■V^MWW*«Nn«i^
1181,. FF€sreifih Q^ifliurr^ m^^eifLb Q-^Siurr^^
It knows not how.iio bring forthmor how: toJidk.
The mother of one's mother is his grand-mother, her mt^Aer is his*
great , grand imothen
Indulgence in the parent is not good for the chiUL.
11 6 utfiQiiiir0\
1184. a-«{3/^9-^ Lr^ss)ifi Quii^/rejinui ^iLL^iTiki^^(^&e\) uu9ir ^
(^u^ir ? .
Though it should rain to the end of tie world, would broken oyster
shells vegetate ?
As a grind-stone fell on the whitlow.
1186- e-ffi/^eV p^peSCSeo (S€uQp(5S)^LJUfririS^LD ^q^ «lL® eQpQQeo
It is better to be consumed by a faggot than by your friendship.
* •
The eyes will be over-powered by the dancing of your women.
1188. S-/B<i^<i «L_sfl(?^ ^s<3S(Lp6Q(o(Ssr(5ir^
I have washed my hands of you in the sea.
t 4 , r
1189. &-<5r**t5^ ef&sTQif^ iS iSi^ (srmQp^rrixi isiruj.
It is said that when he urged his dog to seize, it replied, you do so.
1190, S-<S'<9=/b^2(S0u9p Qe'Q^UUiriS\) ^t^^^irgjilLD £_«F^ (^&ti (IFfl^^ f
• * If slippered on the head, will the crown of the head become cool I
1191v £_L-Lbz_/ OTsv6tJ/ri£> Lj(w^^eu(ssr ^iian^ QsireQSeod Q^Q^/^
The story of a man who defiled Amman covil by his ulcerated body.
1192. ^L_£iL/Ssrr/5^, €5(T^SIDfi &^U LjSGfr^^pi^LJ Q U fT SSf ^Q U IT (S\i ,
As the weariied ass went to the salt-pit.
* . • ".
1193. V f'jhjj (STQ^^eu<sir (orsviS\)frui ^® erQ^/tfrek,
All who have taken ia body have taken an alms-dish.
ll'94. a-L_£iL/ Q^p^^Qsd^Q jf/s\)eveujr Qvufr^ji^s\> Qufr^QeuM
Must one not ihVigorate the body and theii pjroceed to meditation 1
TAMIL PEOVEBBS. 117
1195. ^L^LOLf eTia(^Lo ^QSp ^ifi2eo ijM^tQQ<so miiJStSi(fy\u^^_
Thou huggest up in thy bosom the embers thQ,t.^«^WHn.:fivcry part
of the body.
1196. C-L-LDLy QpQp^i^ iBSssTfB^euQ^m^s 0h.jseo G^esr .p y^-
Of what consequence is cold to him whose whole body is drenched T
1197. ^t^£i)ii(Ssir ufrev eurnr^^ e^essru^, Cffl(j5«(?«/r ufr^ffuir/r^^
. Do we feed on milk for the benefit of the body, or that our
neighbours may know it ?
1198. p-L^&) ^jtgsstQ s-uSnr ^&srjpi.
Divided as regards body, one in soul.
1
^ • ^
1199. £-^6V gjj(56W,SB/«(^/J i9pm^^ iBfT ueo(m^(^u SjbH^^,
The body is bom for one, the tongue for many,, v , .*-.^ J
Anxieties which the ocean cannot contain attend^the JxxLp^ as long
as it exists.
1201. ^L^&sn9puLf ^€oeo/r ^l-lllj urrtp^ _ ; . " /
The body of one who has no kindred is exposed to desolation.
♦ - ,
1202. fi-4_/ruL/^z-.«D«ii ^<^ffl<i(g ^«n/r, ./ j ^ .^rj
A garment not worn is a prey to moths.
1203. fi-®;^^ Ly65)L-68)a/^/rC?6Br u/rthuinuss st^iSp^^^ jj
The cloth one has put on bites as a snake* f
1204. e^QtJbL^ Qu/r^^LD QuirQp^ ens^sytueQiLL^ir^- Qu/r^ih,
The guana may go, it is enough if the hand be fr^. •\- j^ *
1205. s-(3iiL/«0 ^iressrQ mfr^d5(^ mettflfi^ds^ gp^ ^^^@>>_i *
The guana has two tongues, man only one*
The iguana has a double tongue, has manthe sangk^/? f h^ v
118 '' u ipQtL&ifii
1207. iL^»iL-(tJDeJr(6i5«(5 er^Qir ^esi^sm&itrLbfr f
Gm^y^Al' kidc ag&in£tt the thom» of the^ Acacia T
1208. tt.€8)L.69)a) GTmu^ seiieQiLf(stF>L^€S)W,
Lwrhiilg » real wealih.
3 209. C-«ni-«nti>(L/"^ euj^iStniiuLfw. ^^ ©yj^^ /Seoev/r,
Wealth iaaid poverty, are not abiding.
U210. «L«>L-6WLD<^a> Qsfr(Sl^^^(f^^inLiih (^SsoQp^fT ?
Whoit ! give (me's property and sacrifice one's reput^tioa !
1211. tt.«»c-tua/^ uiTiriru iju9fr &.(f^uu(SlLbir ?
WiU/ft crop not looked after by the owber flourish P
9.212. 9L€S:^LmUJeU^ QdF/Fpui^ ^^!f^^3rpfSH ^SfffTUjS.
Pluck up the ^weeds about the mortar as^ your master bids you.
1213. 9^G9ii^faj6aaflp esimuupplesrfs^m iSQsa&fr,
Att^^nri^ezUer is mor^ obstinate than the owner.
Weed around the areca treiB at thy master's biding.
The ciotb whose owner is absent is a cubit too short:
What n€k)efl8if7 is there for estimating the qnaDtity of butter-miBc
by the ladle in the homestead of the chief t
Tou sp(«al^Bit before lyitig down, must you not T
Can he tie a maa that is running who cannot tie one that is sitting I
1219. «-tl6F«//r @0«45L/ Ljpa^e^eulr f^^e\)rrLbfr ?
What ! hMLiify ibe outside of a wall while the inside is neglected f
TAMIL PROVEBBS. H?
Qaxnish the inside of th^.wall andtb^ii t)ie 09:^8^0.
1221. fL-CLfp^^dir^ QeusifluL-ipih ssessr^if.^
A mirnJt tefle(?tfl %liatever is before it.
A mei^e iustfument void of feeling al^d food Vithout salt are alike.
1223. ^€sarSp Q^trp^cSQ&i /B^&n^i sjsnASp.fiSJr f
What, is it to mix poison with the rice one is eating !
T%ere is strength in a body well fed« and grain in the .ploughed
field.
1225. 8-«wr£— i9etr2sir tL.jr^Q^MJtL{U>:
A child that eats well thrivea
1226. c-cwrz— euu9pjp/i(^<i Q^irj^^m QwfnLe9yu./i^^i(yj (^cArOflftir
Is rice ^Qq^ired for a full stotha^ch, pr dil fbr.a bddhead !
That which has been «aten wHl be eVid^iteed in the WchStig.
1228. ^essri^ ^iLQdi^ ^jretkirt^aw uessressrsoiTLLir f
May hospitality be requited by trfeistchery I
1229. »-6Mr£— C-I^LbLj ^0(^LL ^^p urri(^^ Q0U6i(^LD,
The body nourished by another's bounty will irtelt, ardduemt when
chewed turns red.
1280. CfiRTL. ^pptJD fe_0J^ii>,
Friendship ceinented by food will €6iapa88{i(nGi$t^.
1231. s^mL^tfiir (?£Z)6jffl.«6MrL-/rfo O/^/flayo).
Ihe body she^s wijc) is well feA
Hunger is appeased hy eating, wiil i^ be so by k^^kisig at/god ?
120 uifiOtn/TiJ^^
1233. a-6wrL-flr€v) ^&sr(ffso e^pe^, OstrmrL^trso QiBfr(S/s^/re\) s-p&j,
Friendihip is promoted and strengthned by hospitality and aJso
by intennarriage.
1234. ^GikfrL^rr^uy fL.jj/^uuu, 2_6wr6wr(?Qi6wr®£i.
When you eat, do so to keep up your strengtht
1235. ^eAn^frp Qd£iris\)^ih oSe^ii.
PoisoA destroys when taken-
Moderation in food becomes women.
1237. S-6wr® ^&frj^ 2-6TrC?eyr ^(j^Q^^(nfeo u^ajjr er(ipLDi9 ^eJr (j^
When you are told to eat heartily and remain in-doors, why io
you rise up and jump i
1238. fi-6»r® ^-pSluQieo ^q^ (srmQifed ^-q^essr® ^(sntru3ic\) gSq^Si
If I say eat and sit on the hanging-shelf, you fall to the ground.
1239. SLewr® Q'%n-(ip^^ir6\> isewQ eu3sfru9so ^jr^j^.
If a crab gets fat, it will not stay in its hole.
1240. £-6wr® ^<^^ ^-iLJirth <^@eD smiflCSeo airiS^iuLD srsirew. ?
What business has he in the village seeing that he is grown up ?
.^— ^^"^^
1241. ^GkfTGSfrd €5)« ^e9^^^ ^(H^^SiQrf^.
His hand is weary with eating
1242* s-6wr68»r m^r ermQifei) (^^^ eu(T^@(nf>iu,
When I call you to eat, you come to strike me.
1243. s_6wr^««o<fl5 ^^^^^ ^eisr^^u^nk(^iSi ^QCSeu^^
I will cut your uvula and smear it with chunam-ii7n«»
1244. fi-69W-@g)«^ Q^ir^^ u:iek(r^)ajLJ (ouir(^t^»
Property not enjoyed comes to nought.
TAMIL PBOVSABS. 121
1245. ^m^tnev emir €T&)€0/ru^ ^Sojeofru} c^iSli^/nnsr) ^^ eS^L^Qd
(gzi QuiraeoirsfTjp,
One may wander over the whole country without eating, but one
may not go to a single house without dressing.
One may go to nine houses without eating, but not to one without
garments.
iUl. p-ojsr^pnih Ssnirtt9(Sso /Bsirr^piLD LjSO^n^eQ,
Mistleloe attached to edible greens.
Do not go to work without eating.
1249. SL^essrufr&r ^^uir&sr &euui9jnri£iGSisr&ir^ (w^^^^(^ iShuT&ir effj
The Saiva Brahman will freely eat, the ferocious mendicant will
show fight*
1250. ^€muirsiDfrLJ uirk^^ir^u^ TL^npeuiren/rLJ ufririsseo ^t^ir^.
Though you look at those who are eating, you may not look at
those who aro ploughing.
1251, &.fi»r69>Lo O^/reueflaj QaL^L^irq^ui Quiriu Q^tre^^ ennr^i^T
None ever perishes by speaking the truth, none flourishes by utter-
insT falsehood*
As if the teeth also went out when the lips bad gone to beg.
Are there any who push into the m^uth the plantain that is al-
ready between the lips ?
122 u tfiO UiT ifi^
1254. fi-/y/l®«<g iSd^^esr ue\)^ih ^(^Li(S^(^ tS^Sm SDtfuyii
Proti'uding teeth and a hand given to thieving are bad
12': 5. s-^lL^-CJ^v L^essr .^g)^ lj/tsu ^jjoimn-^iT f
Will the cow not yield its mil < because, it has b<h^ Hps I
1256. ^^iL®^ ^(f^thLj ^M^u QufT^ir^ ?
A small particle adhering to the lip cannot be removed by
blowing
1257. s-^^iT iSiB^^LD Qai(g Sjr^Qeu^.u>,
Divers disguises for the sake of the belly.
1258. &.;S6vrrLJ uLpiRf^eoCoLO ^S3><y ^sveo/r Qeueisr^^evCSiii !
Thou art a useless vessel, a piece of brass without sound 1
1259. ^^euir^ 0^lLzjil«(^65<f 9tL(B eT(ip^ssr^(Sun'ev,
Like writing a chit to a thrifty merchant.
1 260. p-^eS Q^ibeuiriri^ ^^^^^jn ^31 ?
What, accident can harm those who help others I
1261. s-^^tf/reS eu/i^/retr ^^&TGtr^u^ OsQ^/Biretr,
A woman with a bustling gait came and 4es^Qyed what there i?a«.
1262. ^-fifTidi(^LJ Oufrm^njui .^(5^/-/.
Even gold is a thing of nought to the generous.
1263. &-^ir^^^(^ ^e^Q^fr s_0<a5«sii ^Qj^'i^u^ ?
Sympathy arises, does it not, from consanguinity ?
1264. e-€»)^^^ sfre\) i^Qp^SS^Qufrj^ :^svevQeu/r LfapiQia ?
Worms will breed in due course, will they not, in a foot accustomed
to kick I
Before his kicking fec^ were eat^n of worm«i his abdofoen had
ulcerated.
TAMIL PROVBRBS. 123
1268. t-Gf)^LJUfr^i(^ Qeu^uufTGfr dF/r^ewewr^fajeJf,
He that washes for him who kicks him is a first-rate washerman.
1267. ^^^tD^i(€RLb fiui9^i(^u> Q^L^mui^issiS (Seuemi^frih,
Contracts are needless as regards honest men and cheats.
The one needs no bind«nsf, and the (»ther admits no obligations.
1268. s-^^iD^QdF6U3i&ir Qupp^frdj^r^ ^Q^ld^
A faithful servant is more than a mother.
, 1269. p^^^Lii^ii(^ er^^ir^ui (?«® ,@^250.
The good are exposed to no danger.
J270. s^ji^QiurrsLD Ljq^s^ cUt^ewra).
Exertion is a manly quality.
1271. ^^^QuJir€i^^i(m^ ^^^% ai^LD,
Facilities suited to one's office.
1272. ^ustrjr^^ii(^ ^u^/rjTLD eu^eu^ ^jr^^i^Cb,
It is unfortunate when evil is returned for good.
It is a crore of wealth to abstain from entertainment in a house
void of civility.
What ! are the civil to be requited by incivility ?
Will mere ceremony pass for money, will hunger be appeased
otherwise than by eating ?
1276. cu/roj^^/rcv ^Sp^ usrir^Qjru^^^freo ^^^u^^ ?
Can that which maybe renHzed by cunning be obtained by force ?
A salt-cup and a deceitful heart will of themselves come to des-
truction.
124 utfiQu^ir L^,
1278- ^UL^ ^(3'^^ uircAfL^QpiJb c_6wr6a)LD ^€\)svfr O/sgjiarib ;^il^
A vessel impregnated with salt, and a mind without tiiith need
none to destroy them^ they destroy themselves.
1279. SL-ULy ^€V<svrru U6ssru.LD ^usnuu9Qed,
Unsnlted food is fit only for the rubbish heap.
Remember through life those who have given you salt.
1281. s_UL/ Qfi^si) esiiuL^B'LCi ciisw/riQii Go/fiwrOii.
Every thing from salt to camphor is required.
Said of things domestic and sacred
1282. iLULj^ ^mpsusitT flss8r<ssJres>frs (mi^uufr&sr.
He who has eaten salt will drink water.
1283. p-UL^^S€asn-.LCi u^Q^fT^^^ unrruufr^^Quireo eQ^iS(ijifiu.
1 hou starest as the Brahmanee who had lost her salted mutton.
In her bewildermeDt she had no remecly because she dared mif
make kuown the loss of a thing she ought not to have hadiu h^
puttseHtioa-
1284. s-ULy euiresS^^ ^/Sleurr^ siruy^jr eQ2so ?
J >oes the salt merchant know the price of camphor T
1285. S-Ly^/ci 3SLLt^^s\) (?6u/r<sBti «LL®Lb,
If there be a supply of salt the world will be sustained.
1286, SL^ULjCb 65lTUfijrQpLCi ^mQffii 6ULpiEI(^Lbfr ?
Are salt and camphor used together ?
1287. s-L/Ly iS^ QiLSLb tL.e5siu.ireo ^eoS/b i9jreurrdsui.
If the ocean were to become clouds, the world would be flooded
1288. P-Ui-l^ ^6missiff(f^i(^ ^soirL3^<9=u> (Seuir QufrL.QeuessrQLDfr i
Must the root of cu$a grass be added to sea-water to make i
fragrant ?
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 12^
1289. ^ULI lS^S^s\) fsessfssSiy fBm&pSif lS^^^€\) £-ljl/.
Excess of salt calls for water, excess of water requires salt.
1290. tLUsnUiT QiB^SssrCSturr ^uetnu^ &m^Q2esrQtuir ?
Did you spill the salt or the food ?
Do not use salt both as food and condiment.
1292. p-uenu^ O^iriLQ^O^^essT® ^L.ff2so eQ(LpiBis€\)frui,
Using salt as a condiment you may swallow a mortar.
1293.. ^uQunr® €^&sru^LD U(r^LjQu!T® u^^ld (SeuGtsrQijD^
Nine things are required with salt, ten with pulse.
Have you grown grey by age, or is your hair prematurely grey l
1295. p^iSefnujii (^fbfiSd ema^eQ^^ ^(Surrey),
As the hand was wearied by beating husks in a mortar.
1296. ^ajjru up/B^fT^LD sfflr/r<»(^0®9 sr^u,&fr ^(^inir ?
Though it may fly high, will a common bird become a hawk ?
1297. a-oS^ii s.L-jj;/ii)C?u/rcv,
Like soul and body.
'298. a_fl965)/r es)eu^^(^iQp^^LD Q^^^trp (gcaBTLD,
It is more natural to die than to continue in life.
1299. u^ii9(ojrfr(Sl ^Q^CbiSu umr/r^euir ®iF<i^rreo Qp^^th Q^irQu
UfTjrfT ?
Will he who would not turn to look at me when alive kiss me
when dead ?
Will she who would not kiss me when alive ascend my fuiietittl
pyre when I am dead f r
126 UlfiQ LDfTffi.
1301. a^a9/r ^(^fB^rred ^ULju^fr/S^ ^&iresrs\)/rLD,
If one is ^ive> be may subsist by bartering salt.
Will that which is iu the mortar esGape the pestle ?
1303', ^^jreSQev ^^esiiu unfriLjj^aO^fr&kfr® £_6V<i6a>««(^u uiuuul]
Will your fear of the pestle -av^il -aught after your head has be-
come last in the mortar ?
> The mortis is beaten at ^ne end the drum at both-
1306. P-ir€\) Ui^^Lh ^/Sliquirr ?
Does tke rice mortar know wlKit a famine is^?
1306. fi-iT"^ (SufTtu Lb^^iofT^Q^irQL^ QpismpSiLL^^Qutreo^
Aa.t^ mortar weiit to the Ikomtomv with its complaints.
Used when ooe coraplttios of his misfor lanes to another \^o\% ii^
greater distress The niot^r is beaten at odo eud^ODly, whereas tbev
tomtom IB. beaten at bothends.
13077. 2^(5 <^P^ P® <sr^ii.
Supernatural power increases .aceording- to the intensity of the ia--
. dotations.
130&« e^0«<fl5Lb ^.men &p(nf^^s)^ ^^diSe\) euirtf, ciLtf. ^fp, '
0 my loving aunt, come with, me apart that we may embrace-
each other and weep* . i
1J309. fi-(5^ «633Tf_ ^SsW 2_^<53)UJ^\^/rffl/Lb,
TJier<3a| that ha^.tasted-mc^^n^ will leapon^ihe^iwingifig-tray'
1,310. &~(r^L-i—u LjirL-L. ^enm^Lci ^i.&fT(^a(^ eurrmi^iti.
When. one deals fraudulently, even^i that, which he has dimaiisfaes*
1311.. .ft..(5^®ii LjirCQC^ ^'Sii(&^Ui &pU(5S)U;
fraluds and trieks will destroy repuiati<Sn«^
TAMIL PRaVERM. 127
. a.(jL-®/i LjffiLCSiih SjriLQCb Q<3F{rev^Ui,
Tricks and frauds and threnitsr *
Like a. beaded cat he appears 1^ if he knew nothing*
1J14, ^q^^QjriTjji^u ySsw p^u(S^<3^ih u&ar^sJUoSf ^QuiTe\i ,
A&.a b^Euied cat gaye diylna instruct ion.
As thc^ligure is formed, beauty will become manifest.
1316. ^(jF^ekj^&n^ ^eo€\) ^G5ifr^&n<SLJLftrir,uessr^es}^aJ6\i€V ^esr^etn^
Look to the temper, not beauty, to.the connections not at money,
when choomiQ d vAfe,
U®tD,
It is not for ih^. form, but for its sweet prattling that a parrot
is esteemed,
4hero who does not ^^ei^lm sword.^
Tcth^.t^orld; wisdom, i* .folly, to wisdom the wprfd.i^ folly,
TS^ w^rld ; h^ many for-ms .
The- whole. QountryiSsat eninitywithithe thief who dwellfl there
Wiil that wji^ich . ha9 resisted tl^-. stroko^ of t^e "peslle sha'ke at a^
si^sred chstnt ?
Thepefi^e by weiMing awi^ hats become the hmiidle of a obi&eL.
128 uifiQubfri^,
1324. fe-(5V<i630« GuQ^fl^ ^^QjTIJb ^u9pjif^
The pestle grew and became a beam,
132.5. WL£H^^m iaQ(T^iQp(^ ^uutrcsr^ ^esrjptw ^6\)8r).
Nothing can be compared to the banquet of a mker.
1326. s-Ssoa/zrewiu etpif-^^th ^m/reufreff>UJ Qpt^eiifninr ?
You way cover the mouth of a rice-pot, but can you coter the
mouth of the country ?
1327. a.(?ev/rL9«(5 g)^ O^FCua/.
I The avaricious are subject to double expense.
^<i (?<SB®,
An affected gait is injurious to graceful movement, and yarnishi?
bad for the head*
1329. fi-fjP<* (^eiflir ^t^^^rrev tB!rpjpiui9(dmi9uut^!rfBfr ?
If it be too cold to plough, why not put out the young plants ?
1330. fi-/p«!g ^p(fffiri(SF^u u^^Q^u ujr(S^&d(^,
A quarter of a measure to one's friends, and sixteen measures to 8
religious mendicant.
1331. fL.ifiiQQeo SLpd(^ (oLnp^/r ?
Is the distinction of east and west •bseitable in an ullak a small
Tneaaure ofeapaeify ?
1332. ^ifi^8Qe\) &jLpi(^,
A dispute about an ullak^
See thei ptec^dib^.
.^
Why give a measure of pepper, why drink the pepper water i* »
comer ?
1334. ^y>eQp^ ^pp QmfrQgf
, A plough share adapted to the tillage.
TAHIL PROVSBBS. 129
1335. ^tpeS^ l£I(^^;S i^ait^tuth ^^Sso.
Nothing more advantageous than tillage.
1336. s-ipoj €^^/B^ uatrQ uiLi^uLfp^^(Se»>^
Cattle uniit for tiie plough are kept outside.
1337. s_zpQ/ LD/r® .^@)6V) ajtt0«g5€»'(?«w eQ2sOLJUU.fr^fr p
If the ox be fit for the plough, will it not fetch a price in its own
village ?
1338. E-tpo^i^ €^(m ^pjpjLD eujrrr^, sflff^y«(5 QpmQesr euQ^ih,
At the plough it will not go a single round, at foddering time it
comes first.
— ^
The bullock yoked to the plough by force, and a man acting as a
subsitute are alike useless*
1340. n^Q^Qpesi^^iL® i6Q£,BnSpsa^ Q^iueum ^t^^pQu/rev,
Like one who, to avoid ploughing, feigned to be demonized.
eiiiretr Q^tressrCBeaiBflirpQuireo,
As if one retired into the interior in the ploughing season, and re-
turned with a sickle at the approach oi harvest.
If a ploughing bullock go astr^iy, it will be yoked wherever found.
» ■ I ni I I I M
1345* eL-onQp iLtrtL^mL^ jffs^^/reo jut^^^rrp(Stjfr€\),
Like beating the ploughing ox with the yoke.
As an ox licked a yoke of oxen when ploughing^
Qih.
The ox treats the unskilful ploughman as his brother-in-law.
9
'^ pl9Uglun^n,i^jin2^ble to keep vUlage accounts.
9
1347. ^^(L^fB^m memi(^LJ ufTfr^^trso ^ifi^kQ^^iti L9^<9'fr^,,
W\hen a ploughmai^, bailees, bis aQCOupits, not e,veuu^;, ullak^j
grain reuXjBLins.
1348.- ^eneinosr ^evfio/nnev ^mUf , ^^iLjU^rr ,?y
Can a. country b^. destroyed if tbere be* no spy.? •
1349v ^&r6ij ^evevrriLeo s^ffirekj ^^Sso^
Npispy, no theft,.
He w^tnders alon^ af|;er a pack-bull, tlrrough deep,annd^ and inoea-
santrain^
To be in debt to' an inmate and to. h^re the itch in the >palm of tte
hand are intolerably evils.
1352.* ^-JStreiT tSrir^sc. «L/r.SsO- /saSiQ'Sfr€ikfrif.(f^iSy Lti/bQ(^0 iSeirSflir
While her child licks the mortar, shr^ goes on a pilgrimage to*
Tirupati in expectation of another.
I4k|B putting ri(?ermilk in:the palm and licking the back of the hand.
1354* ^^etretreisifli Q^rrei/rQ ^eooiem^u uirsririLt-eofTtM. \
With;<what we have we may pretend to have that which we have not.
It is said that the wrhole body breaks out into ulcers wh^n tto
truth is told.
1356. ^erretretnjs eBpj^ iseoeoemfii Qstreit^j^^
Sell what .you haye and buy w;hat is rw% good*:
TAKIL PEOVEftSS. ISh
He OS both an inmate and a thief.
.1358' &.€ir6yris?«n<Stt92V ^mu^ QmtT€m^s)L- Qpif^uQuar,
I will tie nine knots of hair in the palm of the hand.
1359. ^&remEi&DSu9(5\) Q/Be\)eQds^Qun'ev,
Like the Nelli berry (Phyllanthus simplex) in the palm of the
hand^
Said of something:uniiiistakably evident*
If it be that hair has sprung up ia the pahn of thehand» a fool maj
yield to discipline.
■I ■
K61. s_6ff.6ir,gQ/£i ^men-^ih^h^t^{^eii. eQif^QpLoLJSLb ^(f^L^e\)irw.,,
When an inmate of a house joins the thief, stealing may be carried I
on trU.dayrbreak^
■ ""■'" ' ■'■■-
If the truth be told; theWind* woman will be greatly afflicted;
K63* t^&fetres)^ CTS\)ei>iTL6 Q^/r®^^ QiBirm^isemesSssiiui Q^iTe&T'
L^rr^LD,
It is said that he took to wife a blind girl haying -given away all ;
he had.
The child of the. wealthy takes salt with his food, the child of the-
poor, sugar.
Our inmost thoughts are kixown to Ood.
i^«^^*""^W"W~^W«
When the troth is told, every one faA^a. if ilh
1
182 uifiQibiri^^
The evil^eyed destroyed even whaA there was..
He who speak^.the truth is regarded as a wicked person by tic
countiy.
1369. e-6>r6T7"/r(gf5££> sefrerr/r(erFfLD ah.L-L^LbJT P
Is assoctd^tion between an inmate and a thief to be tolerated ?
1370. ^-.erretf^d^/BjSinr^^/i KSfliBitfLb ^efrenq^^pu^^
Internal distress is known to the iDnxates.
1371. fi-Cir^/r LO(T5U)«55,gQ/iD &.(Lp@p ai^fTSijLD «F/f?,
A 8on-in<«la-W of the same village and a ploughing buffala are over-
wrought.
--• --- •■••'.
1372.' ^fffrSorr GLaJTiLL^esr Q^Qerr ^(f^ ihrn^srib Q^fr^e^SQpi^
* — *
0 thou scorpion thou hast thrust thy stiiig into me, listen) I will
utter an incantation.
1373. u-eaQetr ues^^tLfUi Q^.^LLi^(Sei) SL.p^Ui/r ?
What ! is it enmity at heart and friendship on the lips t
1374. ^-effOefT euuSlOpiS^iu 2_^® uifitJD Qepirifiiu^
Bowels burning withiil> lips shedding rip^ fruit? ,
1375. n.peQCSe\) iB^3r ais\)dsQp^fr ?
What ! is .poison to be mixed with fiiendship 1
1376. P-p&f(Suir€0 ^(5/5^ (^6trfsSlQuire\)i QsfnLQSp^fr ?
What ! to feign friendship and to sting as a wasp ?
1377. &^pei] ^psij/srreir, U/SuSQey) 6in« etfieui^irQ^,
No doubt about friendship, but do not put yonr hand itito m;
basket*
1378. a-/D6i/«(2)^ u-e9isi(^u^ Q;jfr(r^(Sstr jgidssm.
Wealth may aid both in friendship and eumity.
TAMIL PROYBRBS. 183'
1379. c/Da/i^ ^&srujff utf. ttM(i^S(^u u^^u ut^^
Nine measures for your friends and ten for the eottntrj^
1380. ^jS jy/D ^eiFtiBmui^ QeuiLesiu,,
The snapping of the cord <^ the swinging-tray is like a hunting
excursion to the cropped dog.
As if one sought curds throughout the village wh^ a supply was
on his own tray.
1382. ii-fSuSiQeo QekiesfnOessrvb ^Q^^^ Q/5UJ<S(^ ^^e^eurrQesr&ff ?
Why go -about in quest of ghee when you have butter on your
own tray I
1383. P-jSa9p UGSsru^ (Sufnu^ Q^Qj^eQ/b, ^e^treiDL^evnu ^Q^iQp^,
The money on the swinging-tray goes out and picks a quarrel in
the public road.
Money is not iafreqaeutly put on a swioglng tray la a cap or
snail basket.
1384. ^jpj^iuiresr snrifiuJih €^n^(Suir^LL QdBL^rr^^
An affair firmly settled will never fail.
Is he a friend who helps not in adversity ?
1386. WLp^trsiii Q^uj^frs\) LD«y«3)<F^ fl{rGssr(Sl6uiT(sisr,
If encouraged, he will jump over the house top.
1387. fi-/D/D SQibSi^m SLa3f/r<i^ ^lEiirflLCi,
A true friend is the nectar of life.
1888. ^pp^ Q^!rm^io ^pp^ QuiTQ^i^LD,
When the truth is told^ a breach between friends may be healed.
^ . - ^
I i^' I ■ ■ ■ ■■ . .
'1389. ^pp^ Q^rre\)ev emQ^tb ^eo€0, m&)eo^ Q^iri^eo isfrQih j^i^eo.
This is not the village in which a man may speak the truth; nor
the country in which, to give advice.
134 uffi'Q'LDirL^.
^1390, ^pQtffT ^^(fyio LjpQjfdj eQdstriLith, ^tsajrirHr •^&f(n^iio Quirm
If friends consume one's grain an ant hole, if strangers consume it,
fame.
^1391 • S-<^(2P<5^(5 g^^w'^ii Qsiri^ir&STy iBLn^Q^i(m mtr^in O^/rSu
u/resr.
He trill give nothing to friends, but to Yama the regent of the ded
he will give even four i. e., all.
Will friends help or will strangers ?
Pfe, pfe to you, and pfe pfe to your father also.
The following story is told about this proverb : — a debtor had Iwo
creditors. Obe of them said if you will pay me I will suggest an
expedient for gettiog rid of the other creditor. He then instructed
4iim when again applied to for payment, to feign madness, and to saj
Pe, Pea demon, a demon. The«ereditor not satisfied had him sam-
'inoned before a Magistrate where he did as before. The Magistrata!
^thinking the debtor mad, decided that he was not amenable to a coart
•^^of justice.
The other creditor then went to the debtor expecting to be paid
according to promise To his surprise the man said Pe, Pe, whereopoij
)be said, do you deal with me also in this way, when, the debtor re-i
plied as the. proverb stands. .j
I am under your protection, you are my patron.
3.395. s^cifT ^LDir^^Qeo (^essr® uiriuir^.
SuUets will not fly by your strength.
11396; s^eir O^^ire^SQeo ^uL/th ^euSsO' ujeifliLith ^^dso.
In your words there is neither salt nor acid.
Your petulance and fraud are all in my ^ress.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. l35
Never trust one wHo has deceived y6u.
0 thou huDch-backed woitiaii of Madras, how ean I give thee up^
hast thou not become Crooked by bearing burdens T
Though the swing oscillates, it will resume its proper centre*
QacrQuuirnr ? .
A needle will give a cubit' of cloth, what will your friends give ?
1402, sfiiffl Osfretretru QuiriLs^ ^€\)frLD &€ssri(^u LimriSp^ir ?
When going to buy a needle, is the weight to be regarded T
1403. esaS Q6sirdSp^fb(^ earrrfJeu ^errfreurrjrLb <^m?
Why such a stir in the village about threading a needle ?
^404. sfl[ffl«(g6B dPsJreyrfiir p^l^Q^sst ^(tf^uuit^.
Where there is a needle there will be a thief.
U05. 8M©«(25 aai^ (oT^QsTfSiu ufru^u^fr ?
I Can one needle penetrate another when brought point to point !
1406. sfE© Quirm^^eo ^rekesr Qujpjih P
1 hough made of gold what will a needle fetch T
"407. smS (SufrSp^ S6sari(^Lj ufnruufr&fr ^^isSisinu QurrSipJ^
He notes the lods of needles, bat not that of pumpkins.
1408. emSCSurre^) iSi^j^ui ^ir^Quireo aioS^zi.
A throat like a needle, a belly like a caldron.
1S6 ufpQuxfTifi,
1409, sflfffi LnsQQeuiskj^i/ 9muii(^u Quir^soiru^T \
May one go to a foreign country to buy needles because they are
there cheap I
^-^— — ■
Though penance be performed by standing on the point of a needle,
that which is predestined only will be obtained.
1411, sfflE^aSsir arr^er) g^LLz__«zi> ^(ssitfiiuubrr ?
Can a camel pass through the eye of a needle ?
A magnet attracts a needle, friendship, the good.
1413. sfiffswrsir s^mth ^ffiiB^rr^^ s-^^^eJr Quujir ^ifii^ftm.
The glutton failed in his object, and the miser lost his fame.
1414. sMswflg)^ S-/DS1J ^ssS^eo ^tp(5.
Friendship is promoted by entertainments, and ^beauty is set off
by ornaments.
1415. sargaafl^Q) i-j^^ ^®afl®^ ^s^t^.
Good seuise 1$ indicated by food* and rank by ornaments.
Be first at a feast, and the last to sljander.
Neither food nor sleep.
■■■■ ^
1418. ^MGkr ^ppQurrQ^ u~p^ ^pj^juQuirih^
When entertainment is discontinued, friex^dship ceases. i
1419. ^aB.&ssruiTi(^ ^^^ eff^^j/ri^ •^«/r^.
Betel is not good except after food.
He is an alchemist who knows how to infuse metals, and he is «
Yogi who knows the (juajity of salt.
TAMIL PEOVEBBS. 137
1421. tMfirrBi(^u Ouirek^ih ^(gii^y.
Eyen gold is a mere rush to tbe apendthrifb.
1422. ^StL^^p QufTLb S>/r9(^©@)6V 61/^£i.
If blown it will fly off, if sucked it will go in.
1423. PM^Sp ^ffi/(g sm^^eo eBt^SpQurr^ eSu^Qp^j*
If you blow the conch, the day will break as it is wont.
1424. sm^etD^eu/ruj^sr (?^i— fBirppeuinu&T Qeisresr^
Acquired by the filthy mouthed and consumed by the fetid
mouthed.
1425. ^M^ssy/s pirerair® ^s^^nesS .^(g5">^ ?
Will the dirt on one's body when collected form a linch-pin ?
Accumidated by the foul mouthed and consumed by a mouth fra-
grant with camphor.
1427. ^M^es)^ QuiT^i (^eiFl^^eu^LD ^svSso uQQuir^^ ^skvbv
No one performs ablutions so as not to repeat them, nor does any
one eat so as not again to suffer hunger.
The dumb destroys a village, a tortoise or turtle destroys a well.
1429. Sflff69)L0 SfflSW/ri 0«®<igii Qu(5<F<F/r^fl 6^Llg3>Z__« 0<5B®<5 'cgKf/3.
A community is injured by the dumb, and a house by bandycootes-
1430. ©flff«DiZ> SeStfTU. si^u(Su.T&) ^(JF'iSp^^
It is like the dream of the dumb.
He IS unable to relate his dream and therefore cannot obtain its
tnterpretatioa.
1431, &ares)LDi(^ ^etr^is^inu<^ fL-putr/^iSsmL-w.
The dumb regards a babbler as a, wonder.
138 uipO ir^ir L0,
1432. ^ef,ss)LDiu^ (Su'S'ai- uffiSesr QuQ^d(^^ Q^iP,iLjih,
The speech — gesticulation-^ o{ the dumb is k^iowL'to those ac^
customed to it
i-riit^
1433. '^m<s^LD{U!rS(T^i^!T^ Q^sQ(BIl6 fi_«»r®.
If one is d'lmb he is deaf also.
1431. ^mea^wiqLD ^m&DLcuLfLo g^<5B<5!»«<F O^FfTfiS/B^frpQufrei)^
As the dumb on meeting the dumb scratch their noses.
If a person on meetiag a dumb man scratches his owii no?e the
diuiiU man becomes very angry.
Neither dumb nor deaf.
1-^36. ^MjrfTssifTu U(s^m^^ ^^uSQinrCSi ^rr^ik^tsufr ^^3so,
No one at enmity with the whole community ever preserved his
life.
1437. ^tm.ffiriT ^essT<i(^ ^ssiL^tueu^ i9L-iflu9(S60,
The liabilities of a village are on the neck of its chief
1138. ^Miffrir &.(SS)i—(SSiLC^(mLJ Quiufnuu upiSi(nf(m,
He flies onjbhe property of others like a demon.
1439. ^MjjfTir <5T(iT^z^in ufr<sv ^pdSlp^ iSiLjih smlLQ iB(r^LD ^-6osr&^
SQpiir,
The buffalo of the village is in milk, you suck and I will also suck.
1440. esc/8(?6V dss\)ujfr66srth LDTiri9(S€\> ^'li^esru^.
Marriage ceremonies in the village and sandal paste on the breast.
1441. ©«rr/fi^ ^(T^(SuQesr (S^nrLp^ ^^tb ^jbpCS^ ^irjrLb.
Have one only of the community as a friend, and a woman with-
out ties as a wife.
1442. ssff/flev (oTettliutT^siir eu^(^m ^fSeuir&r ^tr^uQufr&sr LL€swL-tr
The washerman knows the poor of a village, the goldsmith knows
whose ornaments are made of fine gold.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 139
While all the people of the village have one road in common, do
you expect one for yourself ?
^^ • • • * *
1444. esff(5«(5i^ ufr€i>euirir^^ e^eisr^)imQffiuiT ^^L^uiLf6»(<^u ufr<s\)eu.f r
Do you take milk on account of the community or to promote your
own health ?
tt9&) eQ(L^iBfliTpQuiTe»,
As if a lizard, the oracle of the whole village, should fall into a pot
of^el.
Spoken reproachfully, when a person remarkable cither by position
01* profession, has done something injurious to his reputation-
The liaard — «-»•«© a newt— here referred to, is seen on the wall*
of houses in India and Ceylon, and its chirp may be frequently hettrd.
Its voice is never disregarded since it may bear a message of great
consequence to the family or individual concerned. A small book
called tlie ^hfister of the Lizard contains all needed information re-
garding its chirping. On hearing it the facts to he obberved are the
point of the co npass, the hour of the day &c These being known
the party has recourse to his fotmula and nscei tains whether the
omen is auspicious or not. The premonitions of this little domesstic
monitor derive their significance from the character of the preter<
natural recent who may at the time preside 0%er the region indi-
cated by the chirp. Thus it appears that the shaster of the domestic
lizard is based on the dogmas of Astrology.
1446. sfflr(5-«(5 ^«/r^a/sir Q?LL®«(^io ^^^/reir.
He who is useless abroad is useless at home*
^447. sM(f^s(^ ^«/r^ i9srrSsir ^frtiLjd(^ ^(^unr ?
Is a child injiuious to the community, of any use to its mother I
1448. fiflf(5«i(5 ^i£>eo ^iL(Sli(^ eu'i9pQpifi<F^e\),
Fame abroad and famine at home.
140 uipQ iLir^.
1449. s«ff(75<i(5 ^^fi^eum \9eff^{uiTffQair{Qis\) ^ewr^.
He who was fcoo feeble for the service of the community became a
devotee in the temple of Genesha,
In Sanskrit a similar proverb exists : "The dancing girl being old
tiAS become a devotee*' It i« a case not of breaking awaj froa
sinful habits, bat the power of sinning is gone.
1450. ^M(^l^€isr UCB)«<K®6U Q(SltriFfL^m Qa(5lLD,
If one is hated by the whole community he will be rooted out.
1451. ^iSs.Qjrtki(^L£i Quit ^® uiLt^eS,
Fame throughout the country, at home starvation.
Can you gain anything by wallowing and weeping because fte
village is prosperous I
Having wandered all over the country he says, what advice do
you give.
1454. figffOireu6U/rii) s_i)(2p/r ^m^uiLi^irio Quir^ ^m^uSQeo,
He has friends in every part of the village, yet his bundle is left in [
the public road after sun-set- j
1455* ^mQjT&ir^ ^(5^/^^^ uefn/DiS'QiFifitLfijD ^(^^'^(^ti). 1
Wherever there is a village there is a Parachiri,
A ParHcheiy is a hamlet of Pariahs— 7non caste Natives. Pariab«
are employed iu the luwest offices, as beaters of the lomtoni or Native.:
drum on festive and mournful occasions They are employed toi
publish proclamations &c , as a bell-man in Europe. j
^ I
She measures the village with an ulak and the province with a
n^Ii.
The SLipff^ is a qitarter of a ui^. &.ip«tf ir^r^^ three eighths of
a measure. A fifrifi h a measure, of which there are eight in a utf
&itir^^ mardil.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 141
When told to visit the. village, he goes to the Pariah quarter.
1458. ^MenfTLj t9if.ij£B ^ioS i9fffrSsfnufrenTfLjLD i9if.^^^,
Saturn that seized the village seized also Ganesha*
One thing hap^^ens to r11.
Though ose goes round the village he finds no help^ though he
goes round the country no real aid can be got.
I
H60. ^mCoJTffL. gj^«« ^0 IbirQl—ITL^ ibQ ^(SI,
If the people of the village flee, join theni} if the whole country
flee, flee in their midst.
U61. ^ss.Qjrir^^:i^ effQ uiLif.<ssSi,
Distinguished abroad, starving at home*
1^62. 2flE/f ^(crjS/Daisir QusssrQ i9i^^^iTeo ^(jL-leir Q<rfr€\)6Q Qp€^p
uSlQSpj^ ?
When the ruler of a village forcibly takes away another man s wife,
to whom is he to make hi» complaint !
1463. sfiff/r ^(T^<3sSp^ ^Q ^0^^p^,
The village still exists and also the alms-dishes.
U64. gflr/r ^jrGkfr(S.ULLL-frffo ak.^^in^^(^6» Q6str€ssru.rrLLL-ih,
If the village be divided into two parties, it will be advantageous
to the commedians.
H65. Mff/r ^'etruuui eu6m^^^A(Qp OfsBn^Cb.
That which is bad or exceptionable in a village i^ known to its
washerman.
The clothes of all pass through his hands, he has therefore the
opportuiiit) of inferring much from their condition^
1466. saD[/r ^^Gor® i9^€ify^^(^, (^errth &.6z»r® ^essresi!f(f^i(^^
There is a village for alins, and a tank for water.
142 UtfiQlLlTL^^
1467. SM/r ^jf/^jS/D Qa/revSso ^^Q^^eu^i^u utQUr ^evSa).
He that cultivates a field on the outskirts of a village loses ita^
produce.
1468. ^sair ^k.tf^^ Os'ds^^ fletrefi^pQufr^,
As if a whole village united to put ao oil-press in motion ;
1469. emn'^^(fie6(oi£ie\) jnTLbuiremLa 0/sa®iSp;Sir ?-
What, discharge Rama's arrow at a sparrow ?
Wby lavish means so preeious.oii' obfectsso mean /
m
1-470. ^^MfrS^CSa/Tl^tLILD /BfnLQdsQ^^fTL^lLUJD «LZp- tL^JT/sQ/D Ljapl&i3B&) JW
When the poultry of the village and th^ poultry of the country &t'
large come together* the rice in the mortar is spoiled.'
1471. sstLiT fB^L^ih sffirf?(?ev (?^/r fso^L-ih Q^(meBQ&),
Jboas occurring in a- vilkge affects the community, injury occat
sioned by a temple car is apparent in the skfi^
1472. sflff/r fB^^Q^fT eumu /6S\)ev(o^rr p
Is the village^ood Gt your descri|>tiou T'
To kiss the child of another is bad for. the lips.
"»""— ^^"
1474. ^sunremresyiULj ul.<59lLQ QpL^evfTLbfr.p
Is it possible to shut. the mouth .of a village by a, hurdle.
If . the village berproeperousT-thjsre. will be an opening for abasr
dishes..
1476* ^ML^imtnu€Fe'<so ^^sth ^g)6U (^^iuisfTjT&ff Oa/TwSsir.
When epidemic feveri prevails, sorcerers abound. .
Though the .world come to an end do not remit your eflfortsr.
TA3HL P.B0VEB3J?^ HS
h there an v power greater than destiny T
Destiny and exertioa.must go together.
1480. PM^-pssO^irQ^^ ^tf. e_<FScnuJ fi_5WL-<iffi^j5/,
The staff I gave forhiij support breaks, the crp^wo of my head:^
er..
(snsjssrrfrev g^^jpjld ^3?^S50 (srsveofTLb &-fSJiBefr ^urunii,
Nothiiig lies in oar might, all mipst be done by you.
- Choultries everywhere, but no place of accommodation.
No matter where hit, a^^dog when struck lifts up his leg. .
^ Wherever there is smoke there is fire.
1|185. <oTa'&2iso^^<3isr^ ^Ljuw ^iLL^irpQufTso^^
like belching after eating leavihgs*^^
i486. sT^Qdso^ ^m^ :iJ^ ^(r^L£i(r ?
Can.hunger be appeased by eating leavings I
Aclodis the support ofTthis ifaf-plate, aadttheJeaf^pkite is thQ:^
support .of the. clod.
Slitting abmt will drive one to beggary, and ceremonial itopuritj;\
toU scatterjarfBtwily^ .
.
144 utfiQu^rrifi.
He will not scare away a crow with an unwashen hand.
Did they order the leavings to be removed, or an account to k
taken of the number who had eaten ?
If you eat offal eat heartily, if you listen to abusive language, lisUn
till day-break.
1492- (5r^SeS2sO^(^ rsfnu ^i^^^dQ^ireirrQ /9jb8p^(Sufre».
As dogs impatiently wait for leaf-plates.
■ III
1493. (oTiF^Ssoi ^(LpeQ 2-6ir 3t^^ji^(Seo eurrir.
Wash off the refuse and pour the water on your clean pei^son*
Spoken in derision of affected cleaDliness.
I
1494. (srQisBQp&fresnii s^esifi ^(Sul/ ^i^m^ €St(ipiB^fitrin. !
It is said that the ass fell down with a broken hip as soon as ft was
loaded.
1495. (srQisu QuJTcsr ^infriLif. ^Oljl/ ^t^kjp eB(i^iBfifrerrfrih,
It is said that the wealthy matron, whom one had gone to take inj
marriage, fell down, her waist having broken.
1496. (orQ^^fT^LD UEJ^fr(7^uQuiLtf.0f>iu cr®<i<s5(?fiU6wr(S)ti ^(5®^^
If you steal, take away a golden casket; if you are impaled, endure
the pitnisloxient on an omameiited staka
14^97. »r®^;» mes)Lb arLD/B/assdQevfr ^pisCSeuein'Qtli ?
A burden must be first carried^ must it not, before it ia put doirli !
■ t I I
1498. (StQ^^ ^^^^ QuiTd^eir i^^GUir^,
Things unused) spoil.
tlMit PKortEBS. U5
Will the lifted foot be drawn back I
How loDg can an ox |)loiigh that requires to be lifted op ?
1501. srQuLJ^ \S^es>^ ^^ea^ usve\)d(^.
His occapatidn is begging, his conveyance a palanquin.
. 1502. €r®LJUfr(i^LD i9if.uuir(T^ui c_6wr£-/rg)cu ^SswUL/ii fi^eSuLfLb
Where many are in attendance to lift up and 9UppiHrt; there will
be weariness and fainting.
t
1503. erQuufriir esisi gtp/ico^.
A baby in the arms*
■ 1504. erQuufrir inQ^eneu^ /sQuufrnr t^eQemujds Qs/rQuu/rir ^(^es^ub.
There are who take up the battle axe» and there aa*^. who stop tigers^
but givers a^e scarce.
1505. 6r®L/L/«wr^ «6i)L/«DU ^Q^i^ e-Qpisiir ?
Will a worn out ploogh la&t long I
1506. 6rclL-.ru uififi5es)f5u uirir^^s Q^iriLu^rreQ. eSt^L^^Qufreo^
As one gazed ind gaped at a fruit beydnd his i::eaoh*
1507. etiLi^nu ^ Qpsiirri(^ ^iLQth li /giB9(^^(^^
Flowers beyohd reaeh are sacred to Odd, but those within reach
are for themsfelyes*
What ! is it to reach up a?id cuff^ and coWer and cling to the feet T
1509. ertLt^ U(m^^ creircar, fpujfr^frir eurry^/6^ creireijr?
What if the fi^it of the etti tree (strychnos nux vomica) tipeiis ; of
what use is the prosperity of the niggardly T
Though a poiwnQVA tree, it should be green.
10
Cut not down the tree y ou. plantedi tboagb iiis the (sta-ychnos
nuy. vomica^)
I halite observed. among, inaay natives a,remitrkable disiiiclinatioo
io< cut down treep.: though nut rational creatures they are said to
have one sens€|.^/i9o/.
151;2i (oTL-i^65(^u uirevjsunrir^^ eueirfr^^'Sg'^Lb ^js^ulj 2L6wr/-r
Although you may nourish an etti tree by pourinj milk at its.
r4>ot, wilt it become sweet T'
1513. (onLi^iQQe^. miLQubiLbULpm- ^^eirn^frCoLDf ?-
Will an etti tree bear graft-mangoes !*
1^514. <oTiLtjf.u_iL-Q&sr. Q&^friB^ ^«V6i/to ^uuSlLb,
Even the silk-cotton tree growing by the etti will also bo con--
sum^dby firp.
EvU association brings destinictioQ«
- - I f
151'5. ^LLtf.^(5\). (^(SliSte^ipLf i^Lf^^^p^^ (oTiLu-freffiLL^frev sjr^u
If it can be reached, seizing by th^ kud ami kni^t of hair, if not,
clingin^to the fe^t.
Gan you strike your head against a dwarf wall when peeping on.
tiptoe,?
151:7". (oilLi^ ertLtf-LJ ufriTuun^fk <c;j€sS^s>eu^]^u'uw<iruusr^ (^l- \
There are who peepontiptoajthei'A are who peep on a ladder,,
there are those ^who peep ov«r ^ dwarf wall croucl\ingj^^
Though an et(ijtr«^; hg who laatedit will .like it*;
TAMIL PEOVERBS. liTT
1515-. erL-if^uuLfi^an^ ^^QaSpfEn ?
What, is an etti fruit to be desired ?
Eight old men conjointly took to wife a bald-headed old woman*
\ 1521. (ortL®i (S<i3^ ^u^^^tT^u^ ^L^if-kspSi .^«/r^.
Eight chickens are not sufBcient for a chatty of curry.
1522. ctlL® euQ^s^^i^ errr^ssiLDidsi^fr (ztXH^^u Quits eutfi Q^as'S Ssort
A buffalo eight years old is. at aloss to-find its way to the tank«
1523. eT€S!sra=!ressT 8>_L-iiL/m 6^(5 ^ir^^^Q&r^,
My eight-span body i& induced to one span*
1524. (oTessT^fTeisr SLi— iiL9(?i6U ^eaeir^^^ mrreasnh ^^Sso.
There is not a grain of modesty in hit eight-span body,
i525. 6r6wr«^/r6<£yr &iL^iJDi9p:)(^Lb ^jrQ&= iQjr^rrevnh,
The head is the chief part of the eight-span body.
1526. erekfressTLD cr^eu/rzi Qumu cri/jcir gjSso Qldui,
All 02<r thoughts are vain> the ola of Yama is real:
Ola is the name of the Palmyra palm leflf. On this material, books;
aecounUi eorinspond^nce ^., are wi'itten with an iron pen>
Several of the Tamil books I first read were written on oU. Yama,
the regent of the dead, is graphically represented. as stretching out
his hand to deliver the ord^r for departure.
1527. cressressTLD eriocvrrLD Oufnu ^efi^ua QtbiLi,
Expectations are all unreal, a despicable condition is a reality.
^>w^— ^~»»w«
1528. (ovessrGssrpi mpv^ (STQ^^^p enfr&i^ftfr^Ln Queisr Lfji^ iSieir
No matter bow skilled a woman may be in numbers and letter»>^
her judgment will be second rate.
Many modern Hindus of the day (1873; though ifaemsdlYes earnest
about Universitj boaors, eyince but very little intereit regt^r$ling the<^
14S u tfiQiLtr l3'
intellectual and mora! culture of their daughters The Re? K. M.
Banerjee, a learned brahman of Calcutta, verjr recently gave a sad
account of the disabilitiee to whieh native ladies in that city aie
•ubject.
1529. GT^emuuL-u. (^^^s)jr eTeve\>/nii LaGfsrSsmu (SuinLQiQsi!
Whilst horses of the first blood lick the ground, tie miserable
tattoo is neighing for gram.
1530. (oTGSSTGPSTlJb J^pp ^JTIT^SFGir UGST/SQeUlLGSiL- ^tf-^pQufTSO,
As an incautions king went to hunt wild hog.
1531. (sressTGssTU^ erev^frih Ouirtu ^(Lg^^m ist(m^^ Qibiu,
All imaginations may be false, that which is written is feihie, certain.
1532. ^6wr ^evevfT/semr sethr ^evevtr^eufTy ^Qp^^ ^eoeoir^aiif
Those who are ignorant of figures have no ey^a, those who are
ignorant of letters have no head.
1533. <oT0ssT€Si^<aF Qs'dj&peum Q^iLt^ ereifir^LDp Q^djQpeu&r idiLi^,
He who acts after due consideration is a chitty a superior imi»»
he who acts without consideration is a matti a fooL
Trade requires forethought, agriculture reqiiires none.
1535. eTGsisretsSiU eressrmrLD <oT<^(qSfif. ^eifr^ ere^jpi jycwip^^ Qp^p
What was our exp^tation, aiid what led you to call me elder
brother t
1536. €r^aS^ jpesSfSiJ j^^q^ldio^ ^asHi^iSi&r crswr^gya/^ §)(tf
An action undertaken after doe CMigiieriktion may pr<nfc tuecessful,
consideration after action may end in dis^^e.
J
TAMIL PBOYERBS. 149
A brilliant crowo for an illustrious fanuly.
1538. ffTGtkfrO&muj Qpm^QpQ^ir ^iFl Qpm^QpQfBtr ?
It is questionable which will be Jirsi conmmed, the oil or the wick.
1539. CTCMrQaaruj Qufr^s (7p(i^Q(^s^ih (SfQ^fl^u Quirm^ Q^iiuuirjir
Although oil may be washed oflf, can the writing of Brahma be
rubbed off?
As regards the child's recovery, nothing has resulted but an ex-
penditure of oil.
1541. €T6ssrOemiu<s (^L-^es)^^ s^pjpito crjpiiLDLfQuiTG^^
Like ants round a pot of oil.
I ... ; —
1542. ereiinQ&fsruJLJ t9m^QiUir euakfressru t9efrSsstr(Sdu/r ?
It the beauty attributable to oil, or is it real ?
He who excels in figures excels in strength.
1544. er^/r(^^€\) QuS^eo ^au€^u<s' ^^luih esywuQu^,
]f you speak a word, I will place before y<?u an ^wpty ladle.
1545. <sTflsirir^^eu!TSl 0<si/(g; ^<ssr eSQ^/r.^^
He who is truthful may be the epemy of many.
1546. er^/fl ^dsfrLJUUifri^e\) QfSfruih ^•eifr't^ui3jr<3F6mL-ix>,
If the opposite party be inferior in position, the anger of his enemy
will rage like a tempest.
1547. 6r^rf?«(^ ^etr<35<%nrjruifnLji3= Q^frev^iSp^rr ?
What, is it to yield to an opponent i
1548. er^ir^^ effQ (qTStreSi eB'Qy Jjf®^^ eff® j^ihuiLt^ek gPQ^
The house opposite is the washerman's, and my next door neigh-
bour is a barber.
190 utfiQtnirip.
♦1549. er^irePQ (sjs/reQ ^(S); udss^^ off"® uemflQfa'ujusu^ .£(^1,
The opposite house is the washerman's, the adjoining house is the
goldsmith's, and the next to mine is that of the barber.
1550. ^^fT^s/S0uesr ^ezo/p (srmQjfeo Q^ituld ^esoTL^nreinii,
When the opposed is poor, the anger of his opponent ends in
cruelty.
No matter how any thing may go, each should mind his own
business*
No matter how frequently it may be polished, the bad odour of
brass will not leave it.
Though iron may be heated never so much, it will not become gold.
^iS\)€^inCipQuiTU^T ?
However poor one may be, will he not possess gold, at least of the
value of a lemon ?
t555. ^^^rrp i9^fnifi<id5e\)irtjb ^fs^^p i9es)tfi'iae\)frih*
How may we subsist ! if united we may subsist.
1556. <ST^^(S(so t9<^rrSstr Qupjpj ^jreueSKo^ ^ir<s\iirL-(BiQpjgp.
Bringing forth a child without costi and rocking it in a borrowed
cradle.
1557, <oT^Q^6F sir^(ipth eup(nf>LJ Quq^^ ^(ip^^iruh^
An ocean that knows no ebb anywhere at any time.
1558' cr/5^ ^iLi^Qr.Lo ^iLi—^^iLi^i sh-Q^tii,
The more an instrument is whetted, the sharper it becomes.
TAlfIL PHOVBRBS. Ul
Though the leaves of other trees may fall off, those of the date-palm
will DOt*
It is not known what species of snake tnay be found in any partic-
ular hole.
1561. cri^ eufr6S(mLj Qufriu^^rr^ih ^/B^6u/r<i(mu Qu/nuiufr^,
Whatever else may fail the woris, marks, of low breeding will not
fail
I
1562, a'mQ/Bjr(ipih ^'Skf<mQiJff)ffo &cmi^(u ^q^iStQjf&ar,
His eye is always upon ber.
1563. STiJb^i(^ euL^afTLLQeufTvir^
He can pilot Yama, Ae regmt of the deaxl^
' 1564. ertoesr LSeVSsrr^DttJ/j Qunu \9i^i(wui!r ?
Will a demon seize the child of Yania, thi regeitt of tlie dedd ?
1565. crtiiQ-Efen&ir €TUJfifrs\) ^thuj toreireifr Q<3'iLJiLiuip
What can the arrow do if discharged by a skilful archer ?
1566. sroj^euesT @(T5«« jytisinu Q/s/reurrQssr^ ?
Why blame the arrow, letting the archer go free ?
1567. (STifiSp Q^fTefTsiflesxLi (^pfB ^efreS\<ssr^Qu!Teo^
As a burning firebrand was pushed into the hearth-
1568. <srS\Sip Q^fr&r<sif^u9'&) ^ti^i Q^Bfretreifl /sffocv Q^frm&d P
Which of the burning firebrands is the best ?
1569. €r£Sp€a)jsu i9QiBjS^e\) Qmir^iQp^ ^l^iei(^ld.
If the buruing fuel be removed* the bubbling will cease.
1570. (srifiSp QfS(7^u€9)u (srcrnQmsriu gQlL® j^sB<x4c^friiir ?
May a burning fii'e be extinguished by pouring oil on it I
1571. cr/f?®/D QfBQ^uiSQev Qmiu dSiiLi-.^(Suirs\>^
As if ghee were poured on a flaming fire.
152 uipQlintr0.
1572. ^iffSp e^iLetnu. ^eBisi &^sisfjpi QculLl- m/r^ uirir^^^
like seeking an auspicious day, to dig a well in order to quencb
the flames of a house on fire.
1573. ^/flSp effiLi^p i9(SliEJ(yjSpjsj evn-uih.
Whatever is abstracted from a burning house is a galu.
1574. <5rQ^^&sr Ljeifressfl/b(^^ ^iru^ueo m^/i^.
Ashes are medicine for the sores of a bull.
The buffalo suffers from the smarting of its fiores^ a.nd the cro^
that picks them suffers from the smarting of hunger.
1576. <orQ^^ QsTr(ip^flirio Q^ir(i£€a^^io ^jrfr^, uempiu&ir O^/roj
^ir&o urruSi€\) §l)jrfrek.
If an ox grow fat, it will not remain in a stall ; if a Pariah becomes
rich, he will not sit on a mat-
1577. ^oTQ^^ Qmiresiiu i8hsmi(^Lby ^/riew* uSetniu /d2ssrd(^ih^
The ox feels the pain, the crow its hunger.
1578. ^(5^ QiBiTiu «/r««D<s5<i(g^ Q^iftu-iu^fr ?
Is a crow aware what pain it occasions when picking the sore of
an ox?
If it be reported, that the bull has a calf, he will say, O, tie it up
in the stall.
1580. ^(fi^^ QsL-t^mrs(^tJb gtlLQl^ sQi^fnu, ^mibiS&T^^flffii
^'^Sf^Lb erilKoL. ssQiSafTiu,
Giving eight gall nuts to him who has lost a bull, and eight to a .
woman in the first stage of pregnancy.
1581, <oTQ^^ eumEi(^Qp&srQ€sr LfsisrQ^ujs^ ^-(iP ^^Si(afdj^
You bid me plough the dry land before the ox is bought.
TAMIL PROVEBBa. 153
Ifl its shed put up where the bull may ihiak fit T
'I ^■»i
\
158S. ^(T^^ (SmtrumQ^ireifrQ ujrQ^^Lb (SufrGsr^Quire^^
As a hull went away in a rage to a fosreign country*
1584. «r(5 j57 u^&npsBp Lfev^/i ^mSi(n^iuir p-
Dost thou eat grass screened by a bull f
Is its shed to be burnt down because the ox is sick ?
What matters the ruggedness of the road if the bullocks and bandy-
a country cart-bold together ?
Though it is a male buffalo, you ask me if there be not a drop of
milk for the cbild.
1588. 6r063)/i5 eufTiEir^Qpeir O^ujaSSso 3h.^8(rrf>iu,
Tou publish the price of ghee before buying a buffalo.
1589. erQ^enibi QdBfTLDLj iB?j5tirSip^p(^(ip^Qssr enr^u^ ^jru^ u^sinip
euQ^Sp^^
It will raia seventy times before a buffalo's horns will be wet.
1590. 6r063)LD<i (Sasfrmiuth <sr&®iu^^p(^ ^(cKLQ/t ?
"Will the dung of the buffalo serve for sacrificial purposes ?
1^91. etq^^u^ u^tTL-tf-mQibs^) tn&DLp Qudj^jpQuirs^^
As it rained on a buffalo*
Brands on a buffalo however numerous will scajrcely appear, but a
single brand on a cow will be visible.
154j uifiQu^frifi.
1593. ioTnFS^ua ^Q^i^^vCSevrr urrio ap^<3s(o3Ucifr®ih ?
We may milk may we not, provided there be a buffalo ?
1594. <oTn^eif)LDu9^u^ QsueiretrfrQ erp^^p^^u^^ ?
Will a goat yield more milk than a buffalo ?
1595. <oTnF^si^^(^Lj Qutr(SsreiS<5sr ^dsiriu/rSsirds (ssi^ui9i^^^!rpQun&. >
As he who went in search of manure, seized the hand of a maiden
1596. erQ^6ij<i(^Lj Qurreareu&sr (sr ^ lQ 3" ^ Lbu ipuh <or(^^^j^(Sufrso,
As he who went to pick up cow-dung, gjithered lemons.
1597. <sT<oQ ^u^mem^Q^wQi^ QufrSssrp^ <srmS(ym,
He says that the rat goes naked.
1598. (otS ^(L^^!r(5\) n^evr eSiQiMir ?
Will the cat leave its hold on the crying of the rat ?
Although the rat may cry and lament, the cat will not relinquidi
its hold. i
The rat nibbles the grain, but it does not carry off the basket
Where there is a rat, there will also be a snake.
Like burning down the house for fear of rats.
1603. <5TsQ<i(^U l9jr/ri^6U3fV6lD^ Ll25Sr<i(^i Q^fTsmTL-inLl^LD,
The death-struggle of a rat is the sport of a cat.
The snake's fear of him who catches it, is favourable to the nd
when the strong fear the king, the weak are benefited.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 155
1605. CTsSi^ LL€Ssfliuih «*QiS2or ^^iSp^^trm,
Ihe business of the rat is to burrow in the walL
160G. OTgfl ^^SQeo Qs/ri^KsQ e9(ipii^j^Qu!TS\),
As an axe fell on the head of the rat
1607. (srgfl ^SsooS^i) Q^fTL^iTLCi ^9-/5^ (^Q£iii^Trp\Durreo,
L As if the tower of the temple should fall on the head of a rat.
1 1608. ers9 ^3s»r65)aj Qeuso^inir P
Can a rat overcome a cat T
1609. <5tS Li2ssri(^^ &'6\)/nhuessT^ii6U^CoUir€\),
As a rat makes salaam to a cat.
I610' (or(aSiLji9q£i<ss)^ ^pui9s\) ^Q^i^ (oTi^Tear, eujruLSl^ ®C5^.J^
What matters it whether the droppings of a rat are in the inside
of a sloping roof, or on the ridge of a cornfield I
Living like a rat and a cat.
1612. (oreQiLfth ^Ssrr/iyiL ^Ssssrfk^ eQS^frujfti^esr^Qufrsd.
As the rat and the cat united in sport.
Will the cat be alarmed at the sight of a rat ?
1614. toTsQisiDaji cSsaafT® Li^ssr (StieiS <^iBiQ<k ®L-<i^C?tz)/r p
Will a cat be greatly alarmed at the sight of a rat ?
[1615. crsSaiSstr .^/^j^/i ^saflsu^iofr QeuemQCb,
A separate hole is to be preferred though it be a rat-hole.
One's own cot is desirable however humble.
►16. OTsfl eS^Q slLu-U ufTLdLj (^L^Qsfr6rr(fft^ih,
A rat makes the hole, a snake inhabits it.
>17. er sS Q ^ iL&tn L^^ (^^ ^sQ&o ^i^uuirinr ?
Do they beat a tomtom when hunting rata I
156 uifiQLDirifi.
1618« <ST^LSi^^ii^fT[um(^u Lfefl ^pjpiSip^QuiTeo,
Like infusing acidity into d. lemon.
1619. €r^L3^<3F^Qi9'tf-6S(^ <or(j^u QuiTiLi—frpQuiTeo,
Like manuring a lemon tree.
-IN t»—^^'^"<*
1620. .^Jii/ti^ ^i^iSlp mfriuif^u uQ^uLf^Q^trj^ <cj^ ?
Why give pulse to a dog that gnaws bones t
1621. <oT^UhLf ^l^^Qp fBirdj ^(T^LDLf i3Slf.'i(^LDn' ?
Can a dog that gnaws bones bite iron ?
1622. ere^iuiLj ^6vs\)fr rsnr €re\)s\)iu^ Qu^ld^
A boneless tongue may sisty any thing.'
1623. (ore\)eoirth ^fSik^eu^th .^evSsu^ ^^^nih ^jiSiufr^eu^iJb
No one knows everything, nor is any one ignorant of everything.
Everything wanted is in the box, but there is no chatty in ^whidki
to macerate the vegetable currj'.
1625. €re\)€Vfr^ ^^u9^ld ctlLQ ^Q^fl^^, er&sr /^2eoii9Qeo uji^
On all heads there are eight letters, on mine there are ten.
1626. «r6X)«v/r0«(gii Q^trso^u^rrLb ueoeBy fBtresr Qumui dsirip.Lji_jnr2eat
It is said that the lizard which uttered prognostications, will ga
and fall into the refuse pan.
1627. Greve\)ir Ln^SQpiii ^TiLiiBfiir^^p(fif&^ eu^Sp^*
It is in the evening that all the mosquitos come. '
1628. 6roV6V/r(j5<i(-^ti ^W? ^q^u^lj (Surrey), er&fr^(y^^ ^eS mSeoCoLj/reoM
Saturn who is a mere straw to all other men, to me is as a moan tain.]
TAMIL PEOVERM. 157
|1629. OTfiveu/r^LD o/r*^ ^o/esr ^q^ (o/STuLf,
All other men are areca-nuta^ but this man id a grove of areca-
trftes.
1630. 6rg\)6U/r0/i ^QdQ&srStp ^es)ifi/k^tr&) ^eu^ (Sd^iteo^^mSip
^^Lpeunreir,
If all can hide themselres under a small mat, he can coneeal him-
self und.T the ornamental drawing on the floor.
Thl3 (^mireknh h^rc meattoned is a floor ornament Tery commonly
formed at the entranoe of a native house : the form is oiroular. These
oi^naments ai*e renewed every mornings They contain various de-
vices, lu some a temple car as delineated, in others trees, birds,
' flowers They are generally striking because the combinations indi-
cate considerable skill. It may be that they are oonnected with
the prevalent ideiMi regarding the evil eye. ,
AU the skill in steering centres in the out-rigger.
Oot-rigger boats or canoies are common on the south Western coast
of Ceylon. They are very sWift and most safe. In 1848 when at
Colombo duty called me daily to a large ship at the time out in the
offlng anchored in seven fathoms of Water. On the bccasion under
notice I went on board in an btdibarjr Cii)galese dtit-rigger canoe.
In the evening after having Completed the berths, for my two
daughters who were going home for education, I betook myself to the
boat, and soon after we got clear of the ship the boat Iras struck in
the stern, filled, and went down. When I emerged from the waves
I found myself near one of the two brackets of the out-rigger. The
cauoe was submerged but could not sink lower than the ends of
the brackets tied to her side. The oni-rigger at the other end of the
brackets was floating on the surface of the sea, the canoe being
suspended by it like a pair of scales from a beam. Aided by one of
those brackets, which I pressed to my bosom, and a Chubb's Palan-
quin box, I gained the rocks soon after sunset and esoap^d to land.
All mr progress depend* pn ttie outrigger.
L
158 UtfiQlLfTlfi.
1633. (orsdio\)ir(mLD /5^ev/rjr/r, seo er^ev/r/i ihrresSi^oLLir ?
Are all men good meiii are all stones rubies ?
1634. <oTe\)(j\)fr GewSso/L/zi Q^'djsuir&ir^ Q^^^ireo i^szoLp-i^LD/rLLL-zrar.
He can do all things, but when dead he cannot resuscitate himself
1635. <5ra)cv/r0ii) suusv (^^ujinBp^ ^^ ^iLUitr^rr QuirpuL
L-ii SL-u.LjQufrQQjf'ir^
All have embarked, my uncle is about to receive a golden mark of
distinction.
Spoken of aspj nations beyond one*8 merits.
1'636' (oT^ei'trQ^Lb ^fiS ^Ssrr^^ (^^<q^irii3^v ^ir&v^QflujfriT <^ rB^ ^&
On mounting a jaded horse that all had ridden, the astrologer
slipped and fell down,
1637. <sT6^^/r£i ^/Si^Lpy a(LpiSirLJurrSoary9€\) (SS)'%iS(SlSpsn' P
What, is. one who knows all things, to put his hand into filthy
water ?
1638. <srev2so ufTLpuiLi^rr^th 0«/r^25ui<55z_e5)i/) eQi—frir,
Though the. landniivrks be destroyed, they wilL not remit the;
ground-re?it, j
1639. ezewcar ^SI^ild ^irek ^iT3i LD(m/h\^ ^i^emufr^ ?;-
Will Siiny one take medicine to poison r himself T
1640. <oT(L£.^fT<k at-.^k(^ ^(T^^freo ^Q^u^fr?
Will crying avail. for money lent of whichvUOt account has been
kept?
II. III!
T.he! condition of the man who keeps no accouats is like the place
in which an ass has rolled itself «
Will destiny be averted by weeping T
1613. ^(Lp^eu^ ^(7^eg)iti (srQp^€fiTssy^u UQpjsp eurr^uu^ ^^siryu^.
Writing i&imp#rtAZit, reading correctly wh^t is written,, is more so.
UH, 'oTQp^.Spj^ QuiB^ jycweu, ^sstlo ji/filiB^ Q^niQp^
To be able to write is no great matter ; to compose harmoniously
' is great.
The washerman who had learnt his letter^ threw away his olai
l-6:lfi. ^Qp^^ ^.(Bk^ i^m€Sfm QtiB^^^ pSifb^trm g^Ssus^rT/u,
The king who h^ learnt his lettera tore and threw away his ola.
It would appear that the two preceding proverbs relate to persons
whg suppose, that^ ability torea(} supercedes- all records.
\
?)i7. <sT(i^^^^^u uirevLbirjSlssr ^essr^i^^u^ 9LJSim^^(^u urrevtLT
The cafQUtn who neglects his accounts, and 'the dancipg girl who.
is careless abou^^herdress^ will come to grief.
He would rise, but he has no feeti,
Though seventy years^ old, a Pariah will do nothing* unless he iss
prompted*
)50. <5T(L^u^ (2ueif>fri Q^rrmp uQiSeQ]
A cruel NIli-tc;wiau-who killed seventy persons^
The mother of Vairavi is the patroness of the poor and of '^boatSs
552. €reifluj€U&r iSlett^ -%^&¥^ Q^FUJu^Loi 3'L^m(Q Qe^iLiuQeueisr
Though the child of a poor womafU^ th^ aocustomed rites , must be-
peiforpied*.
160 o ifiQibir L^.
1653. er&flujeuSesr ^t^/i^u i-i&flttJiiasfnu ufS^flirp^uireo^
Like beating a poor man, and plucking hiB tamarind fruits
1 654. eT&flujeu£pji(^u QueasTL^fTUJ ^^iSp^^ih eue9iU€u^i(ff^ jftf-
It is better to be the slave of the wealthy, th&n the wife of the in-
digent.
'i ■
1655. cr6»8(U6wS5W« semQ eisinuireo <s^ujdiS(n^^,
Seeing that the man is poor, he deceives him by fair wOrds.
1656. erefliueu&sf OiJessii—irL-t^ ^svevn-Q^^^ih esiiL^^tsS^Si,
The wife of a poor man is sister-in-law to all.
1657. iST&flujfren/r eueStuirn- ^^^^/rev eueSiujiretDir/i Q^tu^w jtjf^
If the powerful oppress the weak, God will punish them in retuiii'
1658. er&FliLifren/r (sirQir ^L-QiQ^tresari^/reo iQjrfres^^ireS.
Inferiors if ojpposed become mortal enemies.
1659. 67 CT" jy^^Sswcwiu ldSso ^^^Sssr ^i(^@p^.
Magnifying a rape seed into a mountain.
1660. ^Grr(s^Mirtu i9erri^ eSeuai/rjTLD, '
A dispute as i^aoy to decide as the HpUttilig o^ ft rape s6ea.
1661. €retr(Sf^3»3»!r\u i9eiriB^irp(SLirre\)u Qu^QeuemQui.
One ought to ispeskk a& evenly as a rape-pod splits.
Oil is proportioned to tbd sessdmum, refuse proportioned to tU
pressed sei^d.
^^^
1663. <srefr^i(^u Ljoa^ euqj^La Gr^&p(^ er^LbLj «/^ii.
Birds are attracted by rape seed, ants by leavings.
1664. sreir^^i^gelF er^QestffdjQutreo.
As oil in sessamum seed.
TAMIL PRdVfiBBS. IBl
1665. 67"6Jr^<i^6ir erekfQeasnuQufrso ot/b/^lo f8^piB^(/^d^LD,
Everywhere present as oil throughout the sesamum ^eed.
1666. ^etr^sf^i^ ^QP ^-{fi^ Os5iretr(sri^S(^ ^ir e^ipsi/.
Ploughiog seven times for sesamum seed, once for grain.
1667. <oTetr^^^iT&sr creifrQessnud^ s^evQ^Qp^, <oreSiui9(L^i€S)^
Sesamum seed is dried for oil ; but why dry rat-dung T
1668. eTe(r(G(^LD u^es)^ ^SSiLjUiCSufreo ^q^^^Qen&srQiD,
It must be as sesamum seed and raw rice.
1669. (oT&r^U^ SQ^I^LfLD ^^«Sg)«V) UlU&fT ^Q^th,
\ Sesamum seed and sugarcane yield a profit when pi*esiled
1670. gr6yr(g5«i(g €r(J^ S-zpo/ S-QpSpCSeu&ir QeuerrsirirGrrrr^QdaTrtsfr^s
0, Vellala who ploughest seven times to sow rape-seed, ploitigh
once for horse-gram and thus cultivate the ground.
1671. GTplSp^ Qp[u^i(^u uQSp^ UpGf)pi(^,
Throwing at q* hare and hitting a bush.
'
672. crjSeu/rQesr&sr QiSFir/SeuirCoesr&ir f
Why throw, why scratch ?
Why provoke a nnisande ?
1673. srj^ihu si^mdu Ouir£^-ksiT^(r f
Canst thou not bear the bite of an ant ?
The eyes of an ant are large in prop'ortioif to its size, the eyes of
aii elephant are small for its size.
A cocoanut shell-full of water is an ocean to an ant.
11
162 u,tfiQuifr.ifii
1676', (oTjpiUiLiLJ LjpjSio uiru^Lj (^i^Q^fT&r^a^CSuir^.
As a snalce occupies an ant-hole
1677. <STj^uxLjai(^LD ^&sr mi^iUfreo ^sm^ireisfr fi^i^LDL],
Even an ant is eight spans long as unfasured by its oii^n h^nd;
1Q78\ ^jiitJDLf ^sajri ^do (o^iLnh,
!By the cortfwita? creeping of ants a stone will wear away.
^ ^ iQa/sir
CTTLO.
The urine of the buffalo is as a perfect deluge in the eye of an
ant.
By iheeontiimal csreeping of ants a stone w£(l beco][x^,boUow.
If room be given suflicieut for ants to creep in, h^ will drive *
loaded bullock that way.
1682. ^j^u^Lj (srQ^^u Qurreufip(^^ ^tf. .erQ^^ /S/bSp,^, Olj^'.
oj L^<5F«»f?»«/ruj QurrStp^ O^Siufr^/r f.
You stand armed with a club to watch that which may be carried;
away by ants,, are you uipiable to , see when alarge pumpkinliaSi
been taken away i
It is known to the eighty thousand millions of creatures from a^i
ant upwards.
1684* (srjpiLbLi (ipil.Gr)L^ Q^iTGssr® ^lL«wz— (^r/S^ LCKsmifiQuujiLiuy,
If ants carry their eggs to a higher places it will rain.
1685. cTfiwifQ, ^tLL-m^^d= <flF«rf?.
With me Satuiii is in the eighth sign..
16^6. eresrifig^ ^sa^^to ^ef$Bs0 ^p4^(ifim. S)^iSsO.
I have neither food iQor^leep»
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 103
Mj days Are like the dream <^ the dumb*
It cuts my liver with a sharp sickle.
Ifi89. ^&sr ^fTiSfiuih ersvsogui /s/B^sir ueoL^effL^frdsu QuiruSjb^,
My affairs are like Nandan's camp-
The name of a shoemaker who is reputed to have reigned as a kin^
for three hours, and to have issued leather eoiu.
^^•••"^ii^
1690. er^ (g^L 0<«lL/— ^ii ^^m (^t^ QsiLL^^thQufrnp^ eQif-is
It will be knowB. at day -break whether my family or. your's has x
been ruined^'
1691. er&sr&nu^^&srjrn a=€Si^Gnius Qs^tr®^^ eueirir^flir€fr\
Eating bones herself, she has brought, up her children on. flesh,
I I I 111
8)92. erdfT Lb^etr euirjr^Q^frQu. mtrjrih QpQp^euirGfTj ereisr u^nFUbs^
My daughter bathes onoe a week, my son-in-kw bathisi^t di^veli.
Superior oil is aaidto^be Margosa oil to my son-injaw.
Thou hast smeared my face with charcoal.
The skin ormy back will serve you for shoes.,
When you come to my house, what do; you bring, when I oome to .
yom»^ what do you . gi\re ?
It is better to come to th^ fro^tirt, once than to hd alwajwa con--
cealed.
L
164 UlfiQ Lb IT L^,
1698. (oT^jpj fS^jpjih Quiresr^euir ^/f iBtrefr,
No matter how long one may live, the day of death will come.
1699. srmesr Q<Ffresr^^LD er&fr lj^^ Qurrsfr^^
Say what you may, I will not change my mind.
1700. ^<^<oSTL-ir ^tr^ir LjinLL^frSinfr^ih Qpuu^ih gp(^ mm^irvutji.
0 ! mendicant, the thirty days of September are all days of receipt.
1701. ^ssresTL^fT (^^^^ 6sCtf.u Qus^StQtfi},
You fellow, you affect to speak in an elegant style.
1702. (oT^esTLnrriud^ QiS'irevtsQ ^^ldituj s^stDfr^^ir^LD sq^et^^i^ s-L/
Q^a=Lb «/r^^ <QTQYf^.
No instruction however explicit or agreeable will enter the ear of
an ass.
1703 (oTsiresr lo/tiuld ^<o(^l-^& iLfrajthj (Su^irQirfrQ ^essrssSir &(Sok^
What is the deception practised by the dairy maid ? It is mixing,
water with butter-milk.
QuirQQp^ u/B^ojih Qu/rQ <sresrSQtf>esr,
If one say, fie on thee, thou art destroying thyself, he replies, I wiB
take a bet that I will exceed my former course.
1705. <sr&ir<5sr ^^(nj^^ih ^^p(^(Sld(S6\) isfr^ Qu[?i=3=LouLpLD ^^^ ^
esr ^s\)evfrLh ^i^u(SIld,
No matter what may be eaten ; if four dates be taken afterwards,
the whole will be digested.
a
1706. (ST&sr^^L^tu eS'iLi^p-^u y^eutnu isuiru Qurr^'^Lb ^q^lluit
■«5F-5r,
Since the woman came to my house, even gold has become a
common thing.
J
TAMIL PROVERBS.
165
1/07. €rmSs)fru(SuirGi)i gjrj^ii creir ji/isir2sfruQufr€0 ^Ssfiu^
The ass boasted that there was no voice equal to his, and no gait
equal to that of his elder sister.
1708. CT-eirSsar* sekri^ire^ ^GsisT^i(^efTQeir €^&fl^Q(ffUJy erelsr Qushr
On seeing me, thou hidest among the hemp, and on seeing my wife^
thou hidest iu a chatty.
1709. ^«T^ft«;3 LbfT ^i^flffltrpQutrso,
Like pounding floor for Ek&dasi.
EkAdasi, tbe eleventh of December which is obseived by the Qin-
dus as a fast and therefore the preparation of food is not required.
Said of something irrelevant.
niO. (QTmir^Q^ ^Q^tQ.€S)UJ i^fbpi^it jr^^^mCSL£i(o€\),
0 fellow, put the pretended observier of EkAdasi on the car.
1711, ^sfreQ eufr^esTLb Quir^ ^m/B^irpQufreo,
As a washerman's vehicle (a donkey) carries its load.
1712. ^^&^LL Qu^Q^iL eu&)iev€u(o6sr.
He is indeed clever in abuse and empty talk.
If it be asked where is the way for the stubborn, it is replied, on
the head of the way faring man.
The ignorant man is not held in estimation.
11715, ejiLQi" Sren/rimfrtu &fSH(^ M(^u^ff ?
Will the word suraikai a gourd serve as a curry I
*i71€. ^€BftiQsiniiLf^(^ Qmn-essriQmiru^Lf QuiTu.&)!rubir^?
•Is a crooked pole fit for a ladder T
51717. -^&3W«4r£^<i(5« Q^rressrpmifi OeuiL^Sp^ir ?
^Do you cut a crooked stick for a litter.
• 1718. <5T6wr.L-/r 'Q^^esrubff^^co <^f8^\u eTm(ffs\)^ ^&sr^i(^iLfk
4 ■
Yt)fU fellow 1 why did you go up the Cocoanut tree ! when thus
addressed/he replied, I went to get grass for the calf.
^1719. €r6wri_/r ^q^l^/t mstmr ? ^Q^^^P ^jt—^^so ^(f^fh/sireo ««ii
0 Garuda, are you well I I should be weD enough if I were in the
place Tviiere I ought ^o be.
0
What ! do you steal in broad day light ? Se rqpiies, do you know
how pressing my necesisiities are ?
■ m I I
Why, lijan, have you got tip into the Tamarind tree ! he replied,
to pluck grass for my kitten.
Why, you fellow, do you untie the knot ? Do you know how hungry
I am?
1723. ^erorzjL &jnmS Lj€0^ ^^iSFir ? ^q^ Q/$n'i^d(^Qpi^ aLi^^
Well, my girl, have you cut the grass T she replied^ it was tied np
before one could snap ^his iingerS'
Why, my girl, do yoU faint ? I have not had rice enough.
1
i
TAMIL J^BO VERBS. 167
1125. ^€ssrt^ Qumr(S€Bifr ^mfSi^Q^iS (tiffin? Q^trj^ up(tffiL€0,
Why my girl do you squat I Fot "Want of sufficient rice.
1726. ^^ iSIPivuLL F §jio€i^!rfl^ S/ffailh,
What do you wish I That which I have iibt.
1727. ^^LD ^ppeu^i(^ ^^ ^jrekff® Quasn-iriLt^'?
«
Why two wives to one who has nothing T
None to enquire, none to help.
1729. Q-zB tL€iDL^Sp^p(^Qfi&irQesr ^Sssor Quiri^QeuGssrQiii,
I Before the bund bursts, it must be strengtheixed.
i
I If the tank be full, its bank will be moist.
When the tank overflows, the flood will spread all iaround.
1732. (ST/B LQfBiB^ire\) ^emL^tuSsa- m^iuir^.
If the hunch of the ox grow high, he will not fear hia k^pei*.
It is difficult to confine the water of ja tank, but eaisy to bj^eak the
bund.
1134. ^SiS&iT fBeisres^lr ^Q^tr (^luQ^eufr ?
0 divine sun, behold the water of the tank ?
1735. ^HQiufrQ uesi^Q^iresar® ^ekj^ui Q^djujir^^iQpfiirf
Do you abstain from ablution because you axe dissatisfied with the
tank ?
1736. ejir ^(LpQp i9[6trhtr ^Zstr^^Quir^so QuirQpjjp^ uiftiuih
QufTiLL^ QuessTdssmu uinr^jp euerrir,
Never miDd, should the youth at the plough become lean, take care
of the girl who has received the nuptial presents.
i
168 UtfiQlLlTL^.
1737. <qJ"^ i9iuf^^^6U(^ ^esresr Qs^iueufrar uir2si/ii3i^flfleu&r u/rifiiuzi.
Comfor^ depends on her who has charge of the cooking pots, not
on the ploughman.
1738. (5r«5u(?a/ 0^/r2so/B^^ erii^Ssir^ Q^iriLu. siru^ih.
The sii^ which affected us is already removed.
1739. <sT(o&)eoLD! (^(oe\)Q)ihI ^Q^e^LL&^^rrcsS smuSp^,
El^lam, El^lami the buffalo dung is drying.
The Bound elelam is uttered by boatmen and others on the Coro-
mandel coast when palling together, as savas is, by boatmen ou the
Hoogly : some derive it from meSiOpj^^
The property of EMasingam, though it pass over seven seas, will
return.
Elelasingam a wealthy merchant, the disoiple of TiriiTallurar.
1741. ^eupQudj &fL.Qnjr€S)iULJ i9(S)iia(y^th.
The excited demon will take off the thatch-
1742. (cj&Jff in^seir ^eurr ldq^/b^.
Children who do their duty unprompted are as a life-preserving
remedy.
1743- (5rQ/®/D6w,gji/<i(g €afruj^Qi3FfreOy Q^{uSpeu^i(m/s ^Ssci'*^'^.
To the taskmaster a word, to the servant a burden on the head.
1744. (cj^^ffi '^Q^fi ^essT&si^ir a^fitueutr^ ^i(^LD,
The tears of the poor are as sharp swords.
1745. (ST^sntfi u/ri(^^ ^&iresr criLQ effSl ^/StuQeuemQiLir ?
Because the poor man uses betel-nut, is it to be made known at
eight houses !
1746. <3j<s^tfi (ouisr ^jressni^'Bssri(^ ^^mir P
Will the speech of the poor go up to the palace T
1747. (cje^ffiu i9errdsfr'i(^^ Q^iueuQui ^dsm.
God is the helper of the helpless child.
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 169
1148. ectnLpu t9etr2sfrs(^ €reuifS(st^iii ^2ss9r,
Every one is a helper to a helpless child.
1749. (sresiipesyiui S€im—fre\) QmiremifiiLfiD uiriLjuy^
Even a beast without horns will attack the poor.
loV
1750. (cirp<9= 0<fF/r6ir(g)6U ^(f^^^{^^ Q'SSffuiii, ^piki^dF Q^}Tssr^<s\
When told to mount, the bull is angry, when told to dismount, the
lame man is dissatisfied.
1751. (srpuui—rr^ Uijr^^(o€\) erGssr&ssruui^rr^ LLTiBisiriij,
Innumerable mangoes on a tree no one can climb.
■ 1T52. (^p eQiLQ i^&sifis^iu eufrik(^Sp^(r ?
What I remove the ladder after allowing one to mount I
1753. ejpSsisr OdBfTLDUiiev ^piEids QeuemCBlin,
One must come down on the branch by which he ascended. .
I •
1754. (cj^Sp (s^^eiDfruB^ui ^LpeajUifrQ ^S* sl^^ldid.
A plough bull is superior to a saddle horse.
1755. (sj^QtspfS (g^.^Ssi) ffr^iTdim euiB^sfre\) M^fr^,
It is a bad omeu to meet one with a high forehead or curly hair.
1756. (ej^Lc^frQrfiULJ Qum&p^ir ?
What, is it to speak at random !
1757. ^^u^ .Q^itiio ^piBfmui UL^/r^irtnasiT -ah^QLo LfQ^&um ^^L^ss}UJ<i
Ascending cutaneous Spots, descending ring-worm and eyebrows
contiguous are ominous.
1758. (cjp^Qeu LDTiS QuiudBQdsireoui ^^SjiiiLD Q'%frd^<yih mfriQ^fr
The mother-in-law is frightfully ugly already, and the flour on her
face makes her more so.
170 u LpQ'LLiri^.
1759* ^pdBsist(Seu euQ^Qp eQdSssrm^^&rfi ^QiaQeueifrQui,
Approaching evils should be proti'ded against 4n due time.
1760. <c[rpp^Q^fr^^(s^u i9if.^jas/r€0 ^BeutriLSi^i^ a(0ii.
If you measure sufGcient for a well-bucket pole, it may suffice iur
the handle of a sickle-
1761. (orppuuinl-Q'i(^ er^iruufriLt^fr t
Is the song of the picotta responsive I
1762. (srew* 0«/r(i^«45LL6jDf— ^si]iStLu./nu ? ^(5 afro- Oa/^cvLo D«^
Cake ! why so insipid ? BecaUse I lack a cash-worth of sugar. *
ffi-
1763. ^/E/«6V« «LJi9tt9sv iB^eQesr &ui9 ^si/eir.
He is a broken grain fallen out of five kalams.
Oue of a large number of iosigaifieant persons.
1764. ^lEj^fT^ui QuiTf^^iM jkj^u^Su ^effiti^irar QcnL^tufrQ^.
Though you may go fifty miles, you will not fetch half a cash.
1765. ^ikl^fT^LD Quir^^U^y ^SLJ69)U jy65)/r6B<»/r<3r.
Although it may go fifty miles, an agappai will fetch but half i
cash.
1766. ^iki^iT^Lb Qi iir^^LD ^fiSlQf.siD (Seusssr^iii,
Though one goes fifty miles off, an acquaintance is needed*
1767. miEi^afT^Ld QuT^^Ldy ^m u/reuth ^^(S^Qi^^
Though he may go fifty milesr his own sin will still cleave t(|
him.
1768. ^mi69!T\uiJ^ ^lLi^. afrjTih ^LLL-fr^ih ^m isfrppu^ Qutrsfrfi^^
Though cooked' with five ingredients, the wild gouixl will not lose
its odour.
J
TAMIL PEOVERBS. 171
In rice plants, distance is required, in kindred, cIosenessK
The price of five chits a am/ill bird is two cash.
1771. ^uuS inrr^La MQfi^^^^ J^p^ <SB/r/f^^69>« LOfr/gm ^ssr
ILGfitp,
In October drizding, in November heavy rain.
1772. ^uuQ mfTfl/i^ OmujiueSeo ^mjpt tt^Bifi (S^irii) j^^j)r
In the sunshine of October a skin dries the day it is stript off.
If the rains of October and November fail, the elder and younger
i. brother will be on a par.
A buffalo in the montih of October and a Yaishnava brahman in
December are alike.
At fifty discrimination, at sixty moderation, after sixty no distin-
guishing characteristic
i776, ^ibu^ €utuflfresreu^pj'i(^ gg^^ euoj^u Qu&kfr^) ?
Is a girl of five fit to be the wife to a man of fifty ?
777. g»uffi?<«/r0Lb Q^rr^^m Qi%ir(Suufnr,
Even the Aiyangar may communicate contagious disease.
i«78. fDOJUULLt^rrei) einu\u ibl^^
If in doubt, advance slowly.
Like the story of one who rode AiyanJir's horse.
172 uipQu^rrL^.
1780. ^ujLLrrcsr mrrifliu^ev)^^ Q&'UJiue\) ^srr^.
To do a doubtful thiog is bad.
1781. gttJ/i <sT/Dj^LD ^/SQen ^^y.
Though reduced to beggary, lefirn to'^be wise.
1782. ^luiT erssrueuir ^luiuir ^^iJir.
Those who are entitled to be called brahmans are holy.
Will the new moon await the brahman's arrival I
1784. ^'^^ ^^Qir(ourre\) ^thLOfr&r (^^irQufrsv,
The husband is like an ear of corn, the wife is like a rice bin or
grain receptacle.
1785. ^uj^ir u65)L^u9/b (j^iueu^ir ul-i^^Quitgo,
As the potter perished in the army of Aiyanar.
1786 ^"J®'^ Q^ireQffO Q<Fiase\) ^^jsSssitLiLb Q^iueutJD.
1 he bricks of Aij'anar's temple are so many gods.
1787. ^lu^ir (SdsrreS&) Ltessr^ssm dS^^/seuir M^/^Sssru^Lb iSi^irB.
Those who have trodden the ground of Aiyanar s temple are »
many Pidaris.
1788., ^tug)(?/r eufTQ^LD «z_/rflD6i/<i GpsaiQafrerr^u^,
Come, Aiyanar, and accept a goat, a sacrifice.
1789. ^(udr ^65)LDiJ^5)U ^jTfr^LD /56nen6b6h.u.{rj^^
No one may dispute the pre-ordination of god.
The man who expresses commiseration for him will incur six
months sin.
•J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 173
9
1/51, Jp«<5iJ l9pf5fl fllEISmS ^CVlSz-L® JijLp<i=Q3' C^UUfT/fi^ ^lkl^tD'%^
When one s sister is weeping for a cloth, is it to be given to a
woman who resembles her T
1792. ^(F^/uii ^e\)e\)rr^ esLifKSeo Qumr eufriaSssr «6jo^.
The story of a man taking a girl to wife in a village inhabited by
the shameless.
Though a broken one, a walking stick is necessary.
Though I cling to him, he repels me.
If compressed the crib will hold it, but if not even a bedstead will
not contain it.
[
796. ^iLi^^^ih &.tp<as(^uiSir^ Q<F^Spjsir ?
Is it to say draw one ulak of milk though the animal is lean ?
797. ^lL€S)l^^(^u u(Gf^eif (^p^Sp^Qu/reo,
As a camel is loaded.
1798. f^^Q QuQ^^^^ ,^(^LCiir p
Though the odina tree grow large, will it do for a pillar !
'99. ^^ Qu(^^^freo s^jre\)/r.uiff ?
Though the odina tree grow large, will it serve for a mortar I
ereSsresr p
What avails the growth of an odina tree ? Of what use is the pros-
perity of the ungenerous f
1
J74j u ifiQ inrTifi.
1801. e^^tutnjrih ^^Qmir ? ^LLL-frijSe^(^Ss\) mir^^nQiLtr ?
Will an <ddina tree do for a pillar I will a broken oyster-shell pan.
as a coin 1
1802. ^^tUiDJTQpUi ^Q^ ^LUfU^^S^ fi_^a/tl5.
Even an 4»dina tree may prove useful on an emeigency.
Her tresses are graceful and ornamented with the flowers of tbe^
screw pine^ but nits and liee breed therein.
Are two swcods contained in one sheath !
1;805« ^(5 sflE(5<i(g g^0 euL^iuir ?
Is. there but one way to a village T
1806. ^0 s5lL® 65)Qr«(?<fl5/rSso^ /^6wrsRiP/f?^ QufTiL® eriLGl •^«ir «.f
J^ a bundle of straw that had been dipped in.., waiter .wa9 dragged
aJoi:^ by eight: persons.
What> to tie twaalephax^ts to one pole ?
1808. ^0 sirsr ^suuQQpj^ ^^esifri O^irLDLj,
To earn one, qash is as diffiimH as to find a horse/with homSi
1809. ^q^^ir^ QueipJiim ^HF^ ^irm Q^jpiih.
One cash saved is two cash got.
He who has done, a thpg once, majr do it again,
1011. g>0 dsn"^: Qsiru.fr fieu^ 6^0 euFirs&tr QmirQuuir^f -
Will he who refnseavt^ give a;;pa8h,,give a pagoda T
A Pfigoda is a gold/coin worth «lNM>i«4ve& AilikigJi.
TAMIL BROVEBBS. 175
1812. gtQ^ sir^ erekp ^/-/SF^cu ^apS(ff&fr^
He weeps Y/Hea tbeword money is.utterecU
1813* ^(fj^i^L^ui uir^ssf^ €^Q^ j^eS Lfes^ir,
Ooedrpp of butter-milk to a^ pot of milk.
1814. gi(5 (^ekri^Qeo (Ss/rtLemL^ t9t^6»6»ed!rLLtr ?
Cau^a fort betaken with one ball ?;
1815. gj(5 ^etr^^p i9pi^ ^Ln^mjrtLjth ^eoSiLjia e^Q'jr^ ^fsirejnLb
The lotus flowers of a tan)c are n^t all of the same apeoiesb so the^
children of the same mother are not all alike*
1816. 5^10 ^lM (ifi€!Du.i^eu^rff(^u^ dSL® QpesiU-eufTsSir,
Q^ who has platted one b^ket m^j plat nine.
■
6US50, ?
If^aU the stoaes in a basket be gods^ which shall 1 worship ?
Ill **
1818. ^(5 65)«5 ;5iL_^g)CU ^eS>iF ^(LpLbLftLir .^
Can cjapping be effected by one hand ?
Can clipping b^; effected 'with one,, or with botli hands I
I *
\ ^^20.: ^0. ens Qpipih QufrQuiir ?
' Ca^ ,cubit^ bq mieasared TOth only one arm ? ^
When one hi^ ;&Uen into a ,well,ixL a £t of anger ii wiU a thousand
joypiis p>nsidemti(m% help him put ?
'822. g>(5 4Filz^(t9©(W.^ir^(?^ on/s^Lb-^
Twp loiids of oil, in wexhfi^ttyv
L
176 u ifiQ infT t^.
I823i ^(1^ ^IB^UUlSsftr IBfTlU ^jS\uw^^
A dog does not know the vessels used on fast-days.
Separate vessels are kept for special occasions, and also for different
purposes on ordinary days, as for boiling milk &c.
1824. ^(5 ^iressr amLif.Q€\) €^qe qpLp^^tf- QsuLLi^evfrm/r ?
Can a stick a cubit long be cut in a grove a span high ?
1825. g^(5 ^JiLL 6S(ip/6/Sfr&) Q^iflajrr^fr ?
Having fallen once are you not wiser ?
1826. ^(5^Sso euifi<i(^ ^^eB^id Q^Feusmeu,
An ex parte statement is straighter than a line.
1827. gp(5 ^Ss\)<s(^ ^iremQ ^iSSssiiurr p
Are there two punishments for one head I
1828. gP(5 ^"^ Jifpp i9en-S5fri(^ sffliOira)€0/rii ^mu^
The whole village is mother to the motherless.
1829. gP(5 iBcisrfSl Q^oj^eustDfT m^etretr ^ctrojth SSssr,
Think of those who have done you even one favour as long as yon
live.
Like shaving the head for a single day's dance*
1831. §?(55 /5/rS5yr<i(5 ^aip^S ^(r^'/5irdsfri(^u Lfs^^Sl,
One day blame^ another day praise.
1832. g>>(5 iBirds(rs(j^ ^pssQp^ Qairt^ i9piSp^ Qsmf.
Ten millions are bom, and ten mijlions die, daily.
LD Qeu^f5n'&rrfru9pjpj»
A man who had never laughed before, laugheci on a festival day,
consequently it became a common day.
1834* ^(5 fSfrerrfrS^Lb ^Q^mir&r,
Although only one day, it is a festival day.
J
TAKIL PROVERBS. ]77
5. 90 uSstfT ^jrm(Sl uir2str ^ekjpt j^ii^ ^ckjpt m&t^.
One palmyra has two 8pathes> one yields fruit, tiie other toddy.
1836. gj(5 urrdsffT^ Q^irpjai^ ^&rQp mtr^if).
One grain suffices to test a whole pot of boiled rice.
1837, 9(5 tSrirSsrr Quppea^i(^ ^jSu9(S€0 Q^'irjpt^ rs/r^ i9&r^oir
The rice for a woman who has borne one childi is on the swinging
tray, that of the woman who has borne four, is in the middle
of the street.
It is said that having only one child she fed it well> but that it
died of indigestion.
1839. 9(5 Li^^jreir •|}g)jj2/ii (5(5 Lj,i^jr9ir ^euir^p
Although he is an only son, will he become an obedient disciple ?
Though only one item, note it.
1841, 9(5 injr^^u uifiubir ^q^iB^^ ?
What ! did one tree yield all this fruit t
1842, 90 injT^^u uiLcsii^ 9(5 mir^QQeo ^iLQinf ?
Will the bark of one tree stick to another ?
lo43. 9(5 iLjr^^i QsiTLdLj^q^ ubjrji^sd epiLi^fTj^^
The branch of one tree will not stick to another.
. ■ ■ ■
1844. 9(5 mesruuQy 9^si;/r/f«(g fi_^Q/.
Besingle-inkinded) assist those that teach the Yedas.
1845. 90 i&eirc^sjr^ j^penp^ atLtf. ^)^s^pfifi O^iLif^^
A merchant who dammed up and drained a river to recover a
gmin of pepper.
12
]
178 uLpQiLfrtp-^
1846j ^(5 LQ6fr(^iii /B-fT^ SLU/iyi Qutr^Cb,
One grain, of pepper and four gFains of salt will suffice*
1847. g^(5 (ip(LpdS(S^ wsisr erSldsSpfl/r P
"W^hat ! is. it to .tajce up .t^e 5oil by diving once I
1848l 6^0^LDUUir® ^(SdevfT^ g/^ ^(§LSi^m .Qs^CBlLb.
A family divided, against itself will,perisb together,
1849^. ,<s^Qf^^^ jfjjBlipiTeii s_€W4F£i jy^tt/ii;
If known to one, the world rnay know it.
1850. g^(5Si/6ir ^jSk^ jr^Siuth SLSx>«^^a) Uira/Lo.
A secret known to one may spread through the world;
1851; ^i^^^u^(^'^Q^^^ \^2s9sr ^(fj^fSuSssr ^pSiu ^Q^euir deutk-
Two m,en may help one, two are necessary that one may be knom
1852. ^^.a^O'i; J^/SiUiT^. sl..<^S^, fSfTLoeir^ ;
One of illustrious name imknown to any.
1853., ^nnsuSssri Qsn-^sTpeueisr ^.l^Q&st &'ireii,iT&sr^uso QusmjT'i^Q'^!^^
He whp skills one person immediately suiFera death, he who kilii
many is rewarded with a crown.
1854; ^(f^eu^ibij iSpuu^ ^gj iSpuufTu^^^ (^m/S inirui G^^^
UfTLDfT?
I9 it worth being to be an only offspring ? Is a single tree a tope
a grove ?
LDfT ?
May you cutoff a man's bead because' there is a ruby in it I
When only on^ is born there is loneliness, when two enmity.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 179
1557". ^(f^suir\^j6li6^{rso ^jsSaJLb ^Q^^^ ^jSm/Bftio jLJjTl^iliUih,
If kRown to ORe ORly it is a secret, if to two it is public*
1858. ^(T^euSs^u upjQ ^Jr^^^(f^.
Attach yourself to oRe person , and dwell in one hoQfO.
1859. 9(5 efliTCTU Q/6/rtf. §ft-fr^.
A single fiRger cannot snap.
Solitude is preferable to disagreeable society, an ODplaMaiit espres-j
sion may be felt as a reproach^
1861. ^QpsfT^ eff® ^errenjEJ^si^ ^^^Zssr Quir^w,
If only as large, as ihe. palm of thd baud a boRftd Uufct does no^
leak will suffice.
Virtue is superior to rank.
1863. ^(W'3S(^ effLLt:f.Qe\) Qeu&fremjD emkfl^Quite^^
As a flckxl came into a/ Jeaky hoiisei*
As a chatty placed under a/ leak. .
1865. 5^(j^^(g5 gP®. LJ61S3TLD ^(Cf^ds^ QpisfTp u&unii^
Propriety i> worth a fan8i.m, pride, three fourths of a ikliaiii*^
1866.. ^<sfla(^LCif(S^eus^i(m Qp^^Qeo ^&r iZ€Si^ f
Of what use is a mustache to a sneaking aolcUer I
When trying to conceal one's self, id it fit to do so in the llDtllt of th<l
chief!^
1868. f^€lBsSSU (oCj/rtLfUa^l^LD (^9!Dl^^m€0t ?
Is tbf) pktce^ieo narrow fo£ one who hail gone to KMjl^lllbMJlf ?
L
180 uy^Qu^/r^.
1869. ffi^&FliUJr Q/s&reSiuJT ^uS^w ^aLipeSSsvr €v>uuj jof^zp/s^
However enlightened and clear-lieaded one may be, his destiny
will quietly creep in.
1870. ^jDjiSlitJA'9'^esr^ui up/6l\^6ir(S6U€ssrQijb,
Property received under mortgage, or as a dowry ^ must be taken
into immediate possession*
1871. ^simp. eu.iB^ (Suiu sme^jrA 0£EQ^^^(Su/rs\),
As the demon that came for shelter destroyed the vilUge.
18727" gj>5»?*^i*l*^'*^«^ siiTti QupQTfpQujreo^
As if a crow that came for shelter was strengthened in his positioB-
1873. g^6W"/D eiim^ i9t-./r/J) smfru i9i-.irfieiniu ^iLip-esr^Qurreo.
As '^^xtii^neBB that came for shelter drove away the demoness of
the village.
1874. ep^p eu/B^ L9L-/rrf? ^miu t9L^frifl ^S5r^Qufre\),
As a demoness that came for shelter became the demoness of the
villlage.
^.
1875. ^cirfyjpesr i9jrLf wup^Qi Siesa^ieDSiiSieo i9&^6Si6Fss^ euifi&ief
It is said that whilst a peerless nobleman was lying hungry and
exhausted, a beggar cries for rice and curds.
1876. ^^Qf^^ f^&fj^ (563)/D ^&:>2siiy QpGsr^Qeo siLl^^ j^estH S
Not a single want, yet no cloth to put on.
« *
1877. ^eJr^ /6S58ir.«« ^^(ffvQip^^
On« thing meditated, anot^ier effected.
It is said that the virgin is innocent, and is seized with lock-jav*
J
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 4«1
He blew a eon6h to report that there tra-s notKin^? atcd beat a
drum to intimate that there was not eren' that:- •' - •*
-\ "^ ->.
1881. ^^jpiui ^pp6U^i(^ ^^u^ OueisTL^trtLi^,
Nine wives to him who has nothing.
1882. ^^jp/ih Jfpp fBfki^ir^i^^ ^mu^ /Bfrcrr ^t^ii^'^-', ^•
Is a ceremony of nine days to be performed for a destihite^oman ?
1883. ^mQp ^^68)/r ^mQp jrirenj^^^^ ■ -'— ^ . ♦^
One horse, one horseman. - ** ^
1884. ^GsrQp jrrr^ir e^mQfD (g^«»)/r.
One kiog, one horse.
1885. ^^empu Qup(yeo /smQp Qup(Seueiifr®LD,
If one thing only be obtmned, it ought to be good*
1886. ^ekesypu t9i^^^irp ^ir^i^ QeueisrO^u^^
The thing asserted must be maintained.
1887. f^^enpu Qup(tif^u> sbQ^su Qujru,
Though'you g^t only one'6hing, get it quickly.
' 1888. ^^es>pu Qup(iiff^ijb s^enpu Qujpif,
If you get only one as your hire, take a calf.
1889. 6^^es)pfi Q^irtf.^iih fB&ire9)p^ Q^fr®,
1 Though you touch but one tiling, ^ouch what is good.
Most Uke]y reTevring to the choice of a wife. "^^
. 7
I >
cr' .O >
1890. ^ QsirQuufT^i^ BUF^i^arsu uiLQ ©lLl-lo ^lBiu, ibg^u.
:• •• - "
Having become the wife of the wretch, I am ccmpblled to run
fcritted of Walking. ♦ * » ^• '
L
1891* pASso ^jiSuLfLD ^luir 6iL^^m ^Lfiih^ uiTmSi ^pSeuir&r fim u^
Ad onkil fish knows the depth of the oceao^ a wife knows her
bufibattd's strength.
1892« ^8»^ tf/rilzp_Ly y65>«F QiFlU.
BlD^ the bell, and perform puj&.
So^ittdjpg brass^ a soundless earthen vessel.
1894.* J^t*ii effLl® ^piEjQ^e\) ^L^Mtrjr^i(^ g^(5 Q^friLQ,
Oq landing* a cuff for the boatman.
1895. p^f^ gSlLl- ^j:hijd ^^ <»®a).
Even a navigable river may bum the feet when dry.
1896. ^t*tb miLif-€sr ^e\jLb^
A block of wood to which a boat is moored.
1897. ^t-CX) «t-A5^/r^ ^L^3»6iirir^i(^ g^0 Q^iriL®,
Alter crossing, a cuff for the boatman*
1898. ^C-^ eu€ifrif.u9^LD euessrif^ gH^^^S^u^ afressreiiLbU®ih.
A boat may be sesen in a cart, and a cart in a boat.
1899. 9<-ci) eQtli^ ©'-^ -ey^- *®ii ^/^ &^lLl^ ^^^ ^'-"^ ^^
The foot may be burnt in a navigable river, and a boat may Ao**
where the foot was burnt
1900. ^C-O/ii) mfTiLu-rreir tBcf^issekju^ tLiriLi^fr&tr, ^ujfru^e\) Qus^^^^*
£[6 can neither run nor overtake, bat he can talk continually.
1901. pt^e^ta LDfTiLCSi^ek iBuf^isekfLb LbtnLQu^&sr^
I can neither run nor catch.
1902. p^ gP(5 C?«/r9- (?^®ayjS^ii ^Q^i^ §>C5 «^* Gj^Qs^M
It is better to acquirt a cash in quiet than a lak by running about
J
TAKIL TR'O VERBS. 18
•>
1908. ^^ ^^u^ uemth dFihu'/r^utJ^^LCi ^tL^rrie^Q^i^ ^(5
Better earn one faoam wherfe you are, than nine fanams by running
hither and thither.
1904. ^9- §ii^ ^&rerr[Ri65fre^tJD Q6U(et^ji^j^,
The sole of the foot hais become white by constant running.
The husband that ran away has returned and is reconciled, there-
fore she has adorned herself with jewels t6 excess.
1906. ^t^uQufTesr SiMifleo ^^^/fl^^sueJr ^e^jsmL^esr,
He who entertained the man that fled from his o^n village was
a Koundan-a rrban of that iribe.
\
1907. ^f^uQufrSpeueir uiri^u QuirQ(^m,
He who is running away, does so singing.
1908. ^tf-tu Qfiiuso Qufliu Qpiueo ^svevQeufT ?
The hare that ran aw^y was tt lairge one, ^iras it n6tt
1909. ^tf-UJLO ^S^ih SM®^6U« Q^&rr,
Though it is obscene, hear it out.
1910. ^t^tt-jtii 8tp6Qi(^u t9p(Sdsajrr P
Having set out to run will it do for him to be behind an old'
woman I
I9U. ^QSlp ufTLDemuu i9i^i8p uq^euLD,
Old enough to seize a running snake.
1912. ^®@peu2ssr^ asG5STL^ir&d. ^jr^j^8peu£pji(m @C?6\)ar.
Seeing him who retreats, makes the efforts of his pursuer easy.
*913. ^QSp Qeueiremh ^3snnu9e\) iSp(^LLfr?
Will a rolling flood stay .at Uie anieut ? .
L
18* UipQlLITL^.
The chatty may be crackeds what matters that If it bakes the cakes.
1915*. |&il«ot- f5frifid»(^Lj y^eitr miLif^esr^ Qufreo^
like adorning a cracked measure with a metal rim* '
1916. ^tLeisiL^u uirZsfsnBQco ipirssenjr ^(5<i(5^.
A cracked pot will hold sugar.
1917. ^iLsmL^u uirdssrs' ^fri^enir SfSFd^ti^T p
Will sugar, because put in a cracked pot, taste bitter ?
1918. §tL-es)L, iLGsS ^^S^th ^6B)^ iSii^tmr p
Though the bell may be cracked will it be void of sound ?
191&. ^(ggp^ sSq^wSuJ mm^Qutred,
like the story relating to the swallowing of a bloodsucker'
1920. §t^n'fifriri(^ ^euSso £.«wr/rOa//r® ^QpsisCb,
The unlettered have neither good sense nor virtue.
1921. ^^eu&tr ersvsryiTLn s-Qpeunr&o' fid60^^€(f>L^u9e\)^
All poets may be found at the entrance of the ploughman's boase.
1922. ^^ei}!r^i(j^ sflff^ti s^Q£6ijrr^d:(^ fSsvQpUi ^svSeoiuir ?
Has the poet no country, has the ploughman no land ?
1923. ^^euiTirii^ ^/Scif,
As^iidt instructors-^^ brahmanS'
1924. ^>Bf.p (3isus9i(^ ^QpiSekp^^ ^eudsfr ^6wr«jalf(5«g ®(!¥
The bIood«sucker draws its prey to a hedge, the frog to water.
1925. ^Uhi9ies8iL^^es)fB /siriu ^o^^^^irpQufrQev^
As if a dog longed for consecrated food.
Spoken by 8fta to Rivani
1926. •^"J"' u^emipiuLD efitfiiufri ssfrfbjrutJa,
Continual rain, and ceaseless w^ind*.
TAMIL PROVESBS. 185
1927. ^tiieQeoir (Sis^Qta Qiu/reoQiD ^jrasrih.
Thou, the object my unceasing love, take me under thy protection.
1928. ^Jrui 0<sF/r€Jr«r©/«8r .^(5«(5 ^eairm ?
Will any employ a person who is given to one-sided statements ?
1929. ^irui Q^iresresfeum (^tf-<i^&frLb(3uir(Sev,
Like the family of him who makes partial statements.
1930. ^ir ^essrtf- u^ji'^Q^i^ e^eudiii creveu/rti SjptQQpesr^ ^p^
Sp^ir ?
Is the whole world so giddy through famine as to allow a religious
mendicant to suffer from hunger ?
1931. ^/r ^^ ;a?/r6wri— tDfriLi—rr^sussr^^u^ «^jy ^fTessr^euiT^ ?
Will he who cannot cross one river, cross nine ?
1932. g^/r cfflff0«(5L/ Qu^Sr u^pQqrfh ^ss.qf^B»(^ (sj^^t^
That which is polite in one country may be abusive in another.
May one assume a different name in every village !
1934. e^efresisu Q^ireo^i(^ ^^e^in ^svSsu.
No fear about Avv^i's sayings.
I
I 1935. c^eireineuujfrnrQLa^LD ^ppih c_6wr® ^essr^^^^iufrirQub^iLb unp
Even Awai may be charged wiUi blamcy a religious teacher also
may have his defects.
1936. •«fls/«>«a9(fl60 QpS^jififr^ti) Qutu^^rjsmir J5s\>6»^ea)jr ^ir^r ?
Will a wild gourd become a good geurd by growing on the Ganges ?
L
186 u ipQ imr ifi.
1937. «/E/35)«tf3(5V ^tpSQ)^ih €inies:s\^m€srm ^(^iz^rr S
Will a crow become a swan by bathing in the Ganges ?
Though you wash in the Ganges, sin repeated again and again
will not be expiated.
1939. 'SiBJ(S^^u9sv ^L^^^Lb u/j(suih ^(/FLnrr ?
Will sin be expiated by bathing in the Ganges ?
Though a wild gourd be dipped in the Ganges, its inferiority will
remain.
A snail of the Ganges is not a Shalgram
The Shalgram is a fiiuty stone; containing the impression of one
or more ammoniise, supposed by the Hindus to represent Yishuu.
1942. «s5.y<5B® Qtbrnr^svirubfr ?
Can the fragrance of a flower be appreciated after bruising it?
1943. '^€=L^(Ti^a(m ^t5\)2so<i ^pQqrfir ^^psij^
The base do not enjoy the friendship of the learned*
1944. «cFL_/D« f3BG\)(oVn/rd(^ ^'^'^ s-pe\) ^ajSso,
Persons of imperfect learning have no reputation.
1945. ^^t-^fTssT i£€\)eQu9^tjD ^6\)e9u3'esrLD /56V/i.
Ignorance is better than imperfect knowledge. *
1946. ^Sf5^ eufB^euesr s^Ssim^ ^€s>l^, : |
Wipe off the tears of him who comes weeping.
1947. ^^^p ^(fF^eufrQ (SuifriL&'^^pi^LJ Quir^^ui^ iS'i'eiDS'isirirT
Though dried fish may attain final emancipation-^iii;«7t-beggars
cannot.
J
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 187
If I say, 0 Varathappa give me some kanji» he replies, 0 Varathappa
where.
■1949. «L-69C?eu ^jbpih QufTiLu. mes)^.
The stoiy relating to a pieotta on the sea-side.
50. «L.6fl5U ^lLl- QuQ^iBSs/rtuuiCSunreo,
Like assafoetida cast into the ocean.
A rush may remain in the sea, but a secret will not remain ia the
mind.
1952, ^i^gfiev ««n/r^^ L/«rR(?Lj/r6V,
Like tamarind acid dissolved in the sea.
1953. 3iu.Ssi>^ ^iriT^^iii sfTiFlujLD Qpi^im (SsueifrQiii,
You must accomplish your undertaking, though you m ly have to
till up the ocean.
• 1954. «/— 8so^ ^ir^^fr^Cb airfiujui npif-iufr^^
Though the sea be filled cp, the thing cannot be effected.
1955. «/— ^ Qanr^ri^frdy) eQerrfreu iSir enkiQa^ ?
Should the sea boil, whence water to cool it ?
1956. ^L^e\)Sir /S<5U)p/5^ ^^^ er&sresr, mir^S^sar U(Lp^^ ^^^J^
eresresr ?
What benefit arises from the water of the ocean, what good comes
from the ripening of the k^njirai, atrychnos nux vomica, fruit I
1957. «L-6V ^ireisn^ j^ss)^ a-cwr®, mfr&^sun-^u firressTt--i ^rr€\^ ^^Ss^;.
He wishes to cross the ocean, but has no feet to cross a small
drain.
1958. ««— €0 iS^3i(^ j^^iuek ^iLl^Q^ ^iLl-ld,
As regards Hke fish of the sea, whatever name the fisherman gives
is final.
L
188 u ifiQ LL/rt^.
1959. «5^^ eupfiii 65^€UfrQ ^&sresfso!rQuimjpj e_t-s\) eupjSi Q^^
]t is said that the stork died while waiting for the ocean to drr,
in the hope of getting a supply of dried fish.
I960* «»i-ert) QuQ^S^€V ^sa>frtLiLD Qu^(QUitr ?
Will the shore extend when the sea flows I
1961. «z— 6V Ou(7^S(^€\) aemtr <Er^ F
What avails the shore when the sea flows f
1962. ^L^p eBismfT^ ^tTLfiii^iTiu Sip Q^iTiBiS ^TGsresT QiLco 0/Biri
ereisresr ?
What matters it whether the wild pine fruit on the sea-shore hanjs
hiofh or low ?
1963. «z_(?^® «z_68r sifBu Quirtf. ^rrpuessTLo,
ITiout^h my debt be increased, let me have a quarter of a fanam
woi th more of fragrant powder.
1961. «s5^«5r ^s\)s\)frfl «^S a/re\) €uu9jru.
One fourth supply of kanji for the stomach is better than debt.
1965. ^i^^^iTir^^^^ ^L-^LD, ^-i-.eori9p/s^fr^i^^Lj uii(^^
One must pay one's creditor and give to a relation the portion due
to him.
1966. «^6W" eufTEiSi SL^esr Qsfr®^fieu^iiiQsLLt--.irek ; Lojrih ^fS^
ems eSlLi^eij^Ui Q^tLt^/reiir,
He who borrowed to lend w«s ruined ; and he who let go his hold
of the tree he had climbed also perished.
1967. «i_6Jr euirtaStLjih uiLi^eS aeoiuirasru^ uehresStnu^ ^jBf8aj/rm.
Famished though he has^borrowed* an ascetic though he is wedded.
1968. ^L^^'eu/riiSt^w uiLif-^fUfT !
What to famish after having borrowed monei/ !
TAMIL PROVEEBS. 189
1%9. su&rsirjr^i^d ^l^^ld u^&ir it gpiit^u ui^iLjUi QsirQi'^
Debt to the creditor and retaliation to the wrong-doer are due.
1970. ^i—eksirjrSssr etneui^ds ^ap tL.eitn^n' f
Is there a stake for impaling debtors ?
1971. «^6Jr uLLi^rrnr Qts^^LCtQunp «C0ffii®g)6ir,
He was as disquieted a9 the mind of a debtor.
1972. SI— IT si—tr ereisrQi^^ih Ln(ii^/B^i(^ c^q^ iSir er&sfQQifeisr,
Thongh informed that it is a he-goat^ he persists in asking a drop
of milk for a medicinal purpose.
5 1973. dB£-/r i9mekiirta(m@pjfi un^tu^s'^3»(^ ^estL-tuireniii,
The drawing back of the he-goat shows that he is about to butt-
1974. sL^ir Qmdj&&peitGsr ^fSeairQ^ QsiTQ^u Qufr^sreSt^ih,
Does the cowherd know where the ploughshare has passed I
?
i 1975. si—fTeB^ 4Fi^p L^eo2eo^ ^&rSp^(Suiris\),
Like eating, grass screened behind a bull.
1976. 9L.ire^Ui SLJfTe^La <F6nr69)L- QufrQQpCSu/r ^ ^essres^ fS'StiaSi
^pQufreo,
As the tick was crushed to death when the goats fought'
: 1977, e^tf^QmirSQeo ^iLi^esr /Bfruu,
I A dog tied to a stick.
1978. <s^<ids ^0 er^u^LiLD ^fuSso^ sir^eo lB^m ^^soiLfLD
She has not even a single bone to pick, nor has she an ear^orna-
ment to polish.
1979. si^iSlp isiraw ^eoi^ &.peufr(y^LOfr ?
Will the cobra be affected by friendly intercourse ?
1980. st^6sQp tsmudt^i ^(^^.^eo ^j^ei m^Stj^^^
A short tope round jUib' neck of A biti&g'ddg;
L
190 utfiQiLirif: j
Will ap obdurate child prove helpful to its .parents f*
1982. ^ip-/Sir&fr Q<3Fireo ^L^u9^ih €ueQ^,
A harsh word is jQore painful th^najblbw.
1 983. «9-^^ Ljrr-i(mLb QafrL^fr<s. Sp/Duu^. a.(S!f)i^<iQ/5(7^ euss)iriiSk
It is said that his uncle who would not give even a bite of an
areca-nut, bore A ^;;2i company to the bazaar*
Like wiping the mouth after biting.
• _
J 985. ^i^^f^ urrLbL]6S(^ ufrsveurrir^^if^ eQci^^is^/S^ ^n^th jij^
Qufreau OufTsdmrr^sulrir^^ Q^iuu-iih s^umrririh ^(f^^(^^'
When milk is placed before a biting snake, in return it givw
poison^and such is the return for the favours done to the wicked.
Bugs are all the same whether they bite, onjiofc..
Give vinegar to the dog that bit yow.
1988; SI^/i;^/r^)Jlh SBt^65^LL(Sl,i}),£ Q^rT^eO/T^Q^;
No nji^.tter if it bite you, do not kill it.
They will call that a mad dog which has bitten'«07n^ one.
A kind word is better than a harsh one*
199.1; si^uj/r<s ^iLes>L^Qium^ eQiL® eOQeuirnr^etrfrP-
Will they- let a bug escape because it did not bite 7
JE^th the bite and ith|^ stroke were quickly' effected i
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 191
1*993. ^QS^^ (u\(SiS<3'Sr euQs^S dieSiufressrJo,
The Yaduga woman's wedding is come nigh*
Be walks about with a staff in a place that will admit a mustard
seed^ and yet he is ignorant of the place where a pumpkin might
easily passv
Though smgjl, the mustard seed is not without pungency.
J996. «®(<5 Q'uiresr ^l^ld: Minriueuirfr ti^osfH^friu (Sur^sr ^t—Ui
They search for a grain of mustard, seed^ but .not- for a missing
pumpkin.
l^StT. ^Q(^ QuJTssr ^L-LD MiTfruj^n-fr i£l<orr^ Qurr<oisr ^l^ld ^TiT
TJiey searckfor a. grain of mustax'd seed, but not for a grain of.
pepper.
i . — 7^' — TT*
Theft id theft whether as regards a mustard seed or capophor.
The kernel of the gall-nut and the skin of ginger are poisonous..
— rr-r — -r—
Strong wind foretells rain, excessive friendship foreshows hatred,.;
"■<■■ ■ i t' ■■■ .
Excessive intimacy will prove, unfriendly .to. pile's eyes.?,
2002; «®/gjO<ff^£l®<i <35/nflujA(SdSL-rrLD,
It is said that hard dealing fails ia its object..
Unfair dealing destroys the eyes,.
\
I.
19.2 ULfiQinrrtfi^
2004. ^Q(^Q^n-fb QsiLi^n'eo^ir^m(^ ^Q^eiSQ^uLf,
It is shocking to the ears to hear hareh wordsv
Peon, my fellow, you are too strict, yoa have kamboo rice onlyas
wages.
2006. ^QlduS se» LD^e\) e>6»>£— ^i^ii aerrsijQ^djiua' Qja^freo^ia,
Extreme hunger will induce a man to break through a stone wall
and steal.
2007. ««5)A_. Q^lLl^ eutTj^e^ ^2eo siLl- Q/bjtld ^e\)?^).
Labouring in menial offices she has not leisure to put up her tresses.
2008. ^Gf)L.i(j^<s ssni^ ^err ^Q^uurirs&r,
Each bazaar will have its attendant.
2009. <9565)Z-^^ Q&'irp^i^^ QmiTQ^LD^ 65nr&) ininLt^p(^u uiriLjih
Buttermilk for the last distribution of rice, and a mat for the foot
of the bed are indispensable*
2010. «OT)i-.^ Q^tsistrii ffrQ^^ eui^u i9etT^iun'Q^&(^.n^^u.^^np
Like taking up a cocoanut in the bazaar and breaking it to GanA«-
2011. «6»i-fl9(?<5U OcSB/rewT® £i>awrtt9(?ev meumSQr^esr,
He buys in the bazaar, and bestows at home.
2012. «6»£_a96b ^iflS «(55^««^ ^^^LDfT^ ^i9^iriB LjQ^e^&sr ^ui
' Will the rice in the bazaar serve for kanji, will the paramour of an
^ adulteress be of service to her in distress !
- '^ r - I r
\
2013. «63)L-.a9€U-6i//5^jS7£i) ^fiSQiu/T monL^iSeo Qeumfi^Ui s^ir^QiDir?
Is that which comes^ to. the bazaar rice ? Is boiled lice cooked ly
the way desirable ?
TAMIL PROTEBBS. 193
SOU. sa>L^tSl(S€0 siLt^^ ^iSi@£)iijb ^(ip^p ^9€s^imfnu ^(tp
Although rotten pumpkins are tied up in the bazaar, thej are still
rotten.
like drinking a decoction of dry ginger after swallowing a crow-
bar.
2016. 9L-L^!riB^eiDfr jt^iLGni^Qufreo,
Like a wood-louse on dry ground.
2017. stLif^dQ^irein-Q e^jr^Q^irm^eo QeuiLtfAQsirm® €a(a^ejirafr^
When told to tie and bring, he cuts and brings.
2018. «lLzjl ^(LpQpQufT^ enmiLjth ^ifiire^SipQfi.
When she embraces and weeps, her hand is groping to steal.
2019. stLt^eo ^^etretr ^L^a^s\) tSetrSstr Qupjn^ d^igi ^mu:. ^jCm
She brings forth her child where she sees a bedstead, and takes
the prescribed tonic where she sees dry ginger* • •-
If he organize an army and lead it, he may cut down the enemy
and reign as a king.
j
er&fresr P
[ My daughter, why is your hand in the basket while you embrace
and weep ?
2022. «lLzjl ^tf-^fi/re\) crmesr eOiLQ ^if-^^/reo ermesr P
It makes no difference whether you flog one bound or unbound,
2023. esLL.if.esr 6S^iL®i(^u urm^ Q^frs\>^eu/rnr ueonr^
Many will find fault with a house newly built;
*024. esutf^esr €fftL®es(^i sq^^^^f Q^rre\)£j^€Ufrir ueo\^
Itany will express an opinion respecting a house just buili
18^
£[e who has built a house has oaly on3| whereas he who has not.
built makes, use. Qf many.
Oji untying, a cat an$l calling puss, puss, will, it come !'
Will hpad-aphe.go by turning the bedstead !'
1 I . . .
As if one displaced'' and carried away money carefully tied up.
'A.Xii
2029* «L-9- eQsif)^ OeuLi.t^ s9s^^.
Provide seed-corn, and sow having tilled the ground:
2030* ^lLQ ^(Sfs^ /siTiL^m jysvsv., ^ssrih ^fili^ suustsijnLfUi jy«jfl».
■ . ' ' He is upt a dog accustomed to restrainti npr a mendicant's diditM.
knows what self-respect is.
' Every time you have to tie, you must tie it in a different- way.
When bound, it should bt? by the hair of the roe, and if cuffed, 1*
should be by a hand ornamented with jewels.
"!»»"
It is difficult to. carry, besides a^ ohild, bailed rice^tied up /»*^
jovf^rney.,
At J toe-rii»gs necessary when a woTnan goes out t( g therfirejrcpc
If ^U. ib^ts out au9pioIous!y, b^ may return with, boAPUf^^ '
TAMIL PROVERBS. 196^
20J6. sessriss^^fTjr^ssi^u iSerr^.^ii (Smiru-ffsQ^
^ EeiaeLD axe splitting the tree of arithmetic.
0
2037. ^037 <£ sear sessi'S^ jfffSskin&sr^ fl&sr eisasTies}^^ fitr&r M/Siuir^^
The accountant is clever at number;s, but he is igborant of his own^
accounts.
Bore through the eyes of a- young kurnum and a yoasg eroifj
wherever vou find tliem. ,
2039, SGSiff^s^SLJ umT^^rr&) iQ esar <i ;^3^ eunFLO^
When accounts are examined, difficulties arlso^
2040. «63aT«<35,ga/(S5gL/ UlLl^cS C»^€3r t9pULf;
To mj^r h^inger is natural to an..accauntazib\
J — _—— _^— _«
^ 2041. «6wr«(g ^ipStifi t9&T^ efftLtf^eo^Q^/bmne^ eutp^j^ ^^^;
\ There will be constant disputes ^ ia &> hjouse should oqa of ita iilh
mates be a. skilful accountant.
A marriage ceremony in < the h^jje of an accountant ia , a wast^
oi^oiL,
[ ... -:
i _ •
> AH accountants are not learned.
» 1^ —^——1
I The pooja of Gauesa has immediate effect:
}045 . ^GOT^SU SsW U . f5 //? /5 i^ tii; ^ iu-iv sfftLi^fs^^ ® (5* ^pfifT ? '
What ! in a m^ighbour's house, separated from your htisbieind T *
m^m^^a^^^m
S)46. s^^^^7e^Qu(m,i'iiBfr^3i€S(!rsuhj8r^'^sirufr&r,
If her ankle grow big, sh$ will be deprived of her hnsbftndJl.
2)4T, ^esst .^oidiL^^t <ss)^> Q'^iiiti^ii^',
What the eye has seea the hand mny d(>t .
196 utfiQihiTifi.
2048. S€S8r(B^^^uutruiLjQuireoij uirtr^^Q^fkQ^&r.
I was waiting like an eye-snake.
2049. «6Mr* (5(T5lL<3«(5 uy0fB^ ^tLt^freo QfBeil\iLfihir ?
Is blindness curable by an external application ?
2050. ^essr (5(5® «g{(g)Jjy^ i9ji^stf)fru9eo (^emptuirf
" Thljiigli blind, does he sleep the less t
'2053.r«'^fW' Pfil(- i9ekLj (^/fluj iBin&oairjriii Q^\u^ creJrear uw«r?
What benefit can you expect from the worship of the sun if you
have lost your eyesight T
■^MkMHB^hdAAMMII
2052. «6roriL_ uir643ssfilJfnua QarraitreiOL^ (y^t^iQp^,
Tying one's lock of hait in imitation of others*.
2053* «6wrt- seisriJ OmrrS^ (srevsvfruy «d« erQfi^i ^uii9tLQu9t,
. . , I worshipped with raieied hands in every temple I visited*
That which was seen was a snake, that which bit was the stone,
. oCa mango fruit*
2Q55.' ^^ssnJ^ sfTiLS Qupp^ (oujra.
Whatever is seen is a sight, whatever is received is a gift.
2056. ^essTL-em/Ss Qseinr^iLi^rre\) ELSwr® e^pias uMrCL^ir&sr,
He will neither eat nor sleep without asking whatever he
sees.
2057* sessTt-^eiD^m Qa»emT^iLL^!reo O^ircssru-eu&r ^u^uuir&r.
If she does not attend to the affairs of her /amiiy, her husband
.. liHU best -A^r.
2058. sessTL^/SiUWfi^^itm XolueSsrCSl umL^^flire)) «/r® (?ia® ersosoifi^
It is said that if an inexperienced man marries, he will wander
about dragging his wife^ through jungles and over hills*
TAMIL PEOVIRBS. Wt
f I
67 leaming what he sees, a person becomes a puadiC^.^^ ^ '
Never utter what you have seen and heard, nor itand undej^ wild
tree. , .
2061, sessTi—^ un-LLLf «zjL;5F/»jj/ mq^i^LcuLesiL^, _^ * *
That which be saw was a snake, but he was bit by the rough points
of the palmyra stem.
2062. sessTL^esifsi spjpfiQ^/resaTiSl ^enjrQojjv. " ,
Acquire what you can, and go ashore.
* 2063. «6wrz_ai6Jr eri—tr^ ? ---' "'
Will he who finds, not take up ! " —
.««>
2064. SGifrL^n-e\) Q^fiiuirfirr sthusiBiurrLLQ uiu9ir >
Hay not sheep-hair be known as soon as seex¥ t
f If present, do you call mentioniug the relatidnship oL tii« ' party**-
and when absent, his name only ? .
• t^ *^^. t ^ <
1*066. sessTL^irio ^vuu^ «/r^0r) eQiLi^gs^ iD/nuih,
If seen, duty, if not seen, fraud.
• r
1^067. ««wr® Qe^^^ i9emLn ^^^ ^® airiLi^p^ Q/y9 ^^^^}^\/ '
i If one die under human obserration, his corpse wiU fiufi its way
• .. to the place of cremation.
' t «• •
'068. «6jaT® QuiSpi dsfnflujLb ^n^^Sp^ Qp^^^eo dBiSssm* QeutLs-
LDjnu ^n^^Qp^. . *- . . -
I have something to speak of in person, but I am ashamed to loot
at his face.
Behave as though seeing, you see not, and hearing, you hear not.
2070, smarQ mO^J^cuisk Q^frCQuuir^p
WiU hd wifp finds and takes a thing give it up T '
•2971. ««if*^«) ^smi^/spr^^ ^^frtLSliLiLD (SsusiiariSltnir ?
la a witness needed to prove that which one has seen with lu«
own eye ?
^072. Sm^^p «6»rL-^ QuiTiu ^^Ljsi^ui(^f3l Omtu,
Dbat which one has seen is false, the sign of agappai is true.
Why tlie sign of an agappai in proof of that which one has seen t
'2074, ^asr^jri air^^^^ ^mfils^ epQ^ uia^.
That one has not seen with his own eye amounts to one third.
2075. ^mar^Q^i ffe^sk ai^^L^ €T9X^ Qutr^^Cb eum^)^ ^df,
7}l6 A88 4>f a washerman must carry the pack through, though iti
Ijfe may depart with a i*attling noise through the eyes.
!2974. ^^^^1^ Oui^sidetr iD€iir^A(^S(yi/&sr.
Ho treats as common earth ihots^ w)io are precious as the eyes.
Ho wounds the heart which is ns tender as the eye.
Though the life of the washerman is farced through bis eyes b^
Cl^ason of drought, rain to him would be poison.
!2078i^ ^mr^^tf. MifiSp aasft^ uemib ^L-£pji(^ tLfle^iDir ?
AVill the money reflected in a mirror avail for the pajrmenlofi
debt!
You liave v^ounded your dcai^st friends.
i
The tTrtnkling'of ^e eye, or the tapping of the fingcrt^ia the
measure of a moment of time.
. &9ssr€sSSso ^muuL-u. 'mirmQufrio a^wr^Q(nfeisr.
He is dismayed like a deer caught in a snare.
2083. S€m3ssiiu9s\) ^%uuiL.l^ 6sifi'm;^(^6Q(Sufr90 s^£ir^S(ffdk.
He is agitated as an ensnared blackbird.
• •• ■ \
1 2084. ^GssraSp uCu^fTp aiBir^uinr, Lfqf^eki^^p utLt^frp ^SH(^ihir f
When will it give pain, when it hits the eye or the eye-brow ?
I , <
2083. sssstGsS^io €r€sssr^f$'Skifrm^
He can count with his eyes — at dght
«086. ^GssrssSp Lj&fsr euififrsv ^€asr^)tf. uiriimio M'Btfr^^
When the eyes become sore, one cannot see thi^m I'eSecfed in a
{ mirror.
1 . ' . . ....
To assert a thing when in si^ht and to contradict it when ooft of
sight
i| Will oil give pain when it falls into the eye, or on the back of the
neck?
|Jfl89, sessresSp ulLl. esy^^mtu^ ^fSuufrir ^ffuSso,
No one cuts off the hand because it has struck the eye.
190. «fiK3(r6Mt?36V uiLi^rrsi) (iQjr&o^ ^/St^Sp^rr p
Should it strike. the eye iS tlie finger to be cut off.
191. «6wr«0fl56U €U(f^Qp^ LiQ^eu^^Qeo,
The eye brow has received that which threatened the eye.
That which was seen was a crore, and that not seen maoy crores.
2093. «<wr tL.etreirQutr(Sfi dSfriLS, '^
One has the pleasure of seeing as long as the eyes are unvmpaM
The hlind will lose his wealth.
2095. ^essr^^i^u ljq^^ld dsir^frinfr ?
Ifii the brow ten nules in advance of the eye f
It is neither an eye-sore, nor painful to bebcddcdrs.
2097. sessr^piLb SQ^^^Cb s^&retrQufrQ/s ^irCS^^m ^fim i9gs(i^ firtf
esr Si9s>t^Sf^Lb?
We do not realize it when the eye and mind are unimpaired ; what
may we expect to gain afterwards !
« ■
Is the eye-lid far apart from the eye ?
2099. ^ei(f^pa^(^tL ^thiLGfifnh QmiriLQeuirm aihu^^sv ^i/fifSsir
siLQeufretr,
. . 3he'will sit in one's eye cross-legged, and tether five elephants to
the pole of a dancer.
As the eye-lash preserved the eye.
2101. «6wrSro7-« Q^Q^^ QfidjeuLb u^^esitui Qsir®^^^.
The deity that deprived him of sight gave him superior mental
endowments. •
I guigrded you as I did my own eyes.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 801
2105. «6wr&wr<i siLtf.'i mfriLi^eo ^iLL^^Qutred,
As one was left in the jnngle blindfolded.
^apji^ireo euQi^eufrGrr/r l
Will she who would not come when called by the expression of
your eyes, obey when taken by the hand f
2105. «6»rSror« 0«S5®^^ Q^iueuLb (S^rrSsos QsifrQ^^^,
The deity that destroyed the eyes gave a aupporting staff.
2106. ^€ifr8snr(tfitf.^ (^tLQSp^rr ?
Is it to strike the head after covering the eyes ?
2107. €iGssr(S^) LjGssrQ^),
Is it an eye, or a sore ?
2108. «6wr Q^ii^ij^ f6t-.LJUSu ires err umeir^^s^ ^tpu^iriLi^iTfT^efr ^
They who walk with their eyes open will not fall into the pit.
2109. SBGrnQfiidib^ euL^ iBU-6i(^LLUt^ ^issr.
Take care that you walk with your eyes open.
If the eye have seen it, the hand may perform it.
2111, a^esieu^ 3=ir^Q^eo S2so LjpLoL],
When the door is shut, the door-frame is outside-
2112, ^^jreusisr &6\)e{njr6s mirQium ereir(^(DLD!r ?
Will the sun say, I will not burn certain persons I
2113. s^esijri <55§5/r/5^ii ^E^emiuu i9®{ej(^»
Weed the corn even at the risk of destroying the ears.
2114. «^/r ,^a) gszo^/s^/rjii/ti dserreir^i^S dB(tp^^ ^i<i (^€s\p
Though the thread on the spindle diminishes, that on the neck of
a kalla woman does not.
202 utfiQii^frifi.
Mere rumours have neither head nor foot
'2116. 'S&s)^<ic^i mireo ^©^Ssv) Qudji(^u un^u^ ^s^SsD,
Rumours have no legs, nor have demons feet.
2117. ^G^^QiufT Sirinxi^^ ,ziaD^Qiufr Ouir^^SiQijiUy ^eoenis. Qu^
O brahman, do you repeat a story or mend old clothes I No, pti
foolish widow, I crush the lice in my clothes.
When it is said that the brinjal is worm eaten, she imputes it tOft
defect in the knife.
2119. «;55^//?«d5/ru9C?6U «/rj^/i eaistLfih Qp^^^frpQuffeo^
• As if feet and hands shot forth in the brinjal.
The seed of a brinjal will not produce gourds.
2l2I. ^^^fii^irdj eutna'iu Li^GsSia^ntu Q^Bfrs'rQ^ ?
When you buy a bri?ijal, will the bazaar people give you a pumpkin
in at the bargain?
2122 ^^Qu-iLD ^i^trenu^ QuirQeo^
Like a knife and a he-goat.
2123. sji^eiFiHiu^uirniSi^ib assr Q&iruLo Oa-frSeo O^iUiLjU^,
Great anger is more destructive than the sword.
2124. dBS^siLty^ QusssT^n^ eruQuT^ui enSLbOuGKir^^^*
The wife of a swordsman is at any moment liable to becoiM •
widow.
2125. <J5^j© ®C5«^@"^ ^^/^3i^C^ tii€Jnfr aireijQpfiir f
Is the eJk to be carried to the knife ?
J
TAMIL PHOVERBS. 203
1126. ^/i^iniLQih a^^u(SufrtL®i dsfleneus' ^fr^^kStLQu (Su/r,
Bawl out as long as you like, and shut the door when you go.
2127, s^^ ^^^ €r^Qr^€\) ^(m&n^^iLjth ^^^fr^j Q^nG\)^ Q^rireM
When repeatedly urged to bray, even an ass will not do so, when
asked to sing, even a poet will refuse.
Does the perfumer appreciate the d stinction of scents I
3129. sien^^c^^ fii^ Ouiri&fijis,
The hole is in proportion to the rag.
2130, sisin^i(^^ ^jtQ (ejj^Qp^ ^6V6\)/rti ue^iD,
The more it is stitched and the stronger does the rag become.
Though only a ragi wash it and put it on, and if but kunji> drink it
after ablution.
; 2132. suL^ ^^ Q^rrece9^LD ^if.uj Q^freoCSeo /sevir).
Better is a harsh word than one smooth and feigned.
2133' sufrevds (^^^ ssmSsfRrr^ ^\B^^M*
Severe head-ache caused the eyes to sink*
Like dropping a bit of areca-nut in a ship.
\ •— ^— •— ■•«
2135, auuio ^fSu l/lLi— «L_6ir Qmiril_e(DL. JSirp^fi ^iH^Qekim
Debt incurred by the sea-faring merchant must be discharged by
gpiiining cotton.
Can a debt incurred on account of a sea-faring life be discharged
by spiuning T
L.
204! uipQu^ir L^.
2137. s^uups/r/rGfT Qu€ssru.fTiL.i^ Q^/ruGnuissfrij, s,uuio fi.«3>L./5
The ship owner's wife is ia good condition as long as the ship i«
safe, but if that be lost she is a beggar.
The prosperity of the ship-owner is at the mercy of the wind.
2139. ^LDiflp seSip/i/s ufriv ^uajrg^ifs^ ^^'- jyearearo).
liilk poured into a crevice, rice offered to enemies.
2140. &LDULJ i9i3reif)<s=(Sujrr aemt^u i9&'€in&'(Stufr ?
Are not alms obtained by pole-dancing th » lowest species of altnsi
2111. iBLbUe^SCoeo (^ppQ^irjbssip lduSit iniSir ereisrSpfiir p
Is it to say that the boiled rice received in a cumbly is full of
hair?
2142. SLDUetfl eQpp uafsr^j^<i(^ wSUr (ip^^^ ^(t^^Slp^ir 1
Does hair grow in the money for which cumblies have been sold t
2143. SLDUisflSeo e^L-Lp^esr ah.(ss)ipu(SuniSO ^
Like food sticking to a cumbly.
Gum on a cumbly.
2145. ^u^um effil.Q'S dsiLQ^ ^pliLfLo <SBefl uitQIlo,
Even the peg to which a cow is tied at Kamban's house will sing.
2146. ^u^Lf6i(^^ dsdofT QeuLLif-^pQufr^uoi ^(fKisdeusikirQih, /Bihi9
Arrange it so that when he goes to weed the rye, he may al«<>
engage a wife for his yourger brother.
2147. <s/ito/r6Tr6ir udrGneus mir^ J>j^fB^i Q^fr&rerrQeueisrQih^
One must buy a smith's cow after cropping Her eara.
TAXIL PBOYSBBS. 205
* •
When a child is born in a smith's family, sugar must be dealt out
in the street of the dancing girls.
2149. sihiDfrerreSir /sfroj a^ihinLLif^^ 0^(r<oSi(^ j^^^iBfT ?
Will the smith's dog be alarmed at the sound of a hammer T
2150. «tt9^ ^evcv/ru uLnujTLbQuireo^
Like a top without a string.
2151» su8lp€f!>pu uirihQuGsrj)! eressresSi ^e^ii(^Qp^^
Trembling at a bit of rope thinking it to be a snake.
2152. «r«^j5/ ^/r ^(T^Ei sn'd5(mtjD,
"Water in a hand-pot will avail for a katham*
2153. ^jrifi. i9&Dp SGssru.^Qufre\)^
As a bear saw the new moon.
2154. tSBiTZ^ ^jr^^^^Lb es)dB<i(o6Sfr6rr/i Q^q^gBso Qun& euyS
' Though one be pursued by a bear, he may not escape through
weavers' street*
2155. sjrif,iun'e\) ^jrjifiLJULLisu^i^^ sihueSi^frjrSstfrdi adfrt^rr
p UlULb,
He who has been kicked by a bear, fears the sight of one who sells
cumblies*
i 2156. «j7-zjL LfpfSQeo 6umu e^eu^^irpQuiriOy sq^l^^ sireQp <f^je/
As the bear puts its nose into the anthills as small bells were
tied to the legs of a kite.
\ 2157. sjresyrLD ^ul9^€\) injressrLD^
To fail in a somersault may be fataL
*158, ^STLLinrr^i stLtf-^eo ^EiCSTLb (^GDpuiir^. • ■
Excessive cording will not diminish the weight of u padcage,
206 utfiOmfTi^. .
2159. ^iBuLi'i;^ ®(3'^^ i9siDtfi, ^eom^^i^ §>^^ iS^ip^
In famine, save your life where you are, in war, by flight.
2160. €^iP'Ul9Q(s\) i9mSsrr eSp(n^p(SufT(Sco.
Like selling a child in famine.
Like an art without ingenuity to comprdiend it, and a discipW^
without a teacher.
2162. ^Q^iS ^.(f^iSl Qi5iueu!THfl^!r^Lb ^b^l^ /Biuffju/iflireiir Q&m
Though you give hira fried meat and pour melted ghee oi» Am ria^-
he will say nothing but what he saw.
2163. ^Q^iis^isrGstSl' uiLi~.fr eo aesimuiT&sr aesari^^Lb ^n^mt^u u^
jrfTssr^
When the karunkanni fish is caught, the fisherman. does not evem
turn to look at it.
2164. «0/Ey65eu6T9v?6O /5/r/f e^iFluu/resr,
He will strip fibr& from a^piG^e of granite^
2165. ^Q^iEi^nreQ s-^aiem^i^ Qsueireiftu yisin- stLif-Ssr^CoLJireo.
As a silver ferrule fastened to an ebony pestle-
2166*. ^(mjBi^rr&Si iSLlcjoL^^i.'^ exifraj ibfr^^^Q^iri^irm' ^jitir e^fremip^'
^€m(Sl<i(y^ eurriLi fBfr^jLDfr ?
Will an axe whose, edge-is not blunt'^d by cutting a piece of ebonj^,
be made dull by cutting a stem of ?. pluntian tree .^
2.1.67* <iE(y7;z— G3f. <5B/r6T95y 0«cf©d;F siLf^ sisr.^ ^Ju tsu.. " '
As a string of small bells was tied to the- leg of a kife^;
2:168. ajf^L^^'® ^€iffi^ ufTLDLjQuneo^
Like a snake in sight of a kite.
StPA^.iuay bfi ibund Aven in .sugai; cai;Ldyf\
J
TAKIL PROTERBS. 207
2170. ^(T^Lti ^'i^ii^ Ourr^stnLDs<^ ^^sif.
Consistency of action is the measure of greatness.
2171. ^(f^tii^esijs (Tf:.i^dSpeiisk ^n^ssiu^ ^^jptih ufrjrfrek,
A resolute man cai^s nothing about difficttlties.
?172. (Bq^n^fTcsr §!in^fBJs ^L-y^LCi ^(wsy)^ Ljtrsssn— &GfrQpui <F/f?,
A blacksmith's 8hop> aud the place m iivbich asses roll themselves
are alike.
2173. ^(7^tht9^La Q^siT ®(»)«(^tD MT&riuQi^iJi urrss) ^Qf,^(^u^.
There is honey in sugarcane- there is sap in milk»hedge<
2174« «0£iz^<i<5B/_L/p.<i^^ srjpiftJbLi^irQssr euQ^ua,
Ants will of course be attracted by a lump of. sugar-candy.
\»
The story of one striking an ass with a sugai'-cane.
2176, anEuys9}USi ^Q^esi^np^ QufTiLt-^trso ^(ipenfiai^fli Qj^fimitStptr
Does the ass enjoy the flavor of the sugar-cane that is placed
before it ?
>
2177; «0iity ^ekssri ^fi^eSiuir ?
I What, a, reward for CAting sugar-cane f
I 2178. si^LOLjiJb QeuLDLj ^iSpQp,
Even sugar cane has become a margos-i tree;
2179^ ^(f^wLjif^ ^(i£fi f-t^^' ^aiix^Sl'ssr, uir^i^^ ^.jQ^iaear
Will earth pulverised by the plough for sugar-cane, ansxrer^for.
sugar to be mixed with boiled milk T ;
2180; ^(a^ttiH.&^iScp^ ejfriui^ppuyt
If sugar^cuno provebitt^r to the palate/ it. 19 th:Q fal^It of^themou^.^
L
2p8 utfiQunrtfi.
2181. "SB^iiLy Q^SOiuesrj^u Q^(Sjrfr(Sl i9QikiseofrLbir ?
May sugar-cane be plucked up by the root because it is of fine
flavor I
2182. ^(f^LD€^U ^Q^U^Uy ^^ QeUlIiLI ^u9/b^^
If taken to excess sugar-cane becomes bitter as margosa.
218$. ^,(f^ihLf ^iLQi-^irQu. ]©(5«« erj^LLLj ^irQesr ei/^iL.
Where bundles of sugar-cane are, there ants will come of them-
selves.
An egg without yolk, an art without a teacher.
2185. <^(f^(S&jeoL£ijr;i^p(^ i9ifi€d ^e\)SsOy ^m^^m(^ Qp^p %
The karuv^l Acada casts no shade, smiths observe no relationsbip
V
in marryvrig.
As a doney out of sight of land.
The eommod name of a country vessel, some of which are of con-
siderable size. They have no deck and are thatched with palm letTes.
2187. «fi»)/r fiil^ip-Gsr suu6\)(ouire\).
Like a stranded vessel.
2188, ses)jruui<35LD uiros)^ ^q^ism ^liiueo ^jSesreu^Wy Q^friaofr/S
Like the misery endured by him who embarked when there was i
way by land, and by the husband who revealed to his wife that
which he ought not.
2189; SGDfruufrir setDir^^rrp 'gs6\)^u^ sesifriLjua,
Under the management of the skilful^ even a stone may be dii-
solved.
(
j
TAttiL PBOVERBS. 209
2190. seos^^Q^o nasf^^ir^eu&f mjr^fB^Q^ Quir€uirQ)ih,
It is said that he who does not exaggerate when a tumalt occurs
will go to hell.
2191, «cv«;i^(?co (oumiiLD 6SfrsoLD/rQ ^?/SK)Ubm^ir ?
In regard to a bed is the distinction of head and foot observid
in a battle-field T
In a general insurrection universal consternation prevails.
2193. «6V«ii i9pih^freo iSiuirtuih t9pss(yjih.
Popular agitation le&ds to justice.
2194. <sECV(9;(?ii) Qmiiujtr^p Lfaei^^irfBeu&r ufrcuih.
If an insurrection exists, it is wrong not to make it knowii.
I When I went in rags to see her, she appeared enveloped in double
the quantity.
r
2196. ^€0^ esiht-i ^SsrQj^^Lb ^fremt^ ^B/riLif-CSeo,
Though' it may consume a kalam of gr^iii, the quail lives in th^
jungle.
2197. «eu«®iaa/£i «L_6u (?«F(2p«/r^.
Though never so troubled, the sea does not become muddy.
2198. «6V;i^(?a) (?<F/r^63)/D @lL®« e9)4BefnaJLJ i9i^j5/5!rpQuir<s^^
Like holding the hand after putting rice on the plate.
2199. «cw 0/5SU^<i(j(i <a>^ 9l.lEI ^(^^(^liht ?
Will a kalam of paddy yield a kalam of husks 1
2200. «6VL/ uessr^ffsiflu uiririSl£)iLD ^(t^ Sifiu iQcnnh /siv^.^^
The corpse of fin old person is better than immense wealths
14
210 VdpQmir.ij^.
2201. <«^L/ urri<^ sp<Sf3^eoinii ^<sfftLj uir.ev Qp^i^^ ^pfDeoinL^ ?
A kalam of milk may b^ drawn ; cau a drop be. infused into the
teat I
2202. <soVU ufr^i(^^ ^effiu Lj(c^ir,
A drop of butterr milk or curds to a kalam of milk.
2203- 'BsffouufT^^LD y^^F^^u Ouirm^piii,
Tkougb.npt pure, repeated gilding will give il: tjie colour of gold..
2204. sG^Li ufr6Qs\) €^^ ^(SfB eSe^ii se\)i^(rpQL^irQl6\).,
Like putting a drop.of poison. in a. kalam of milk.
2205-, ^^LJ urreo. (^tsf,^^, ^^ '^\P^^(^u U[r6\) (^i^iufT^ir ?
Will not a cat that h^s drunk a^kalam of milk drink an£lak?
2206, ^^ ^^ ^9-<si^6i;err ua-sQiLjLD^ sutSl ^tf.^^€ueir L/ewrgaaflujffliS
u^iTin' ? j
Is she, who pounded a kalam of flour vieio\is, and she who pounded !
rolons: virtuous ? -
2207. <»fOLb S€OfB/£frso (^,e\)LCi <956\;«igjLb.
When plates are interchanged, tribaV marriages interchange..
2208 r «svii) (aj^jSgifJ^fLD u^ir ^iflS ^<35fr^,
Thpugh a kalamo^ chaff be. pounded, it will ndt become rice.
2209. <*^ ^^ ^mQrf>(s\) ^^ ^flS ^iLt^fT/srr ?'
If a kalam of chaff be €11 ten may tipt a grain of rice turn upl"
It is said that he forgot to tie the tdli owing to the bustle at the
wedding.
!
No scarcity at a, wedding, nor in the^threshii?.^ fl^^oor.
2212. ^eQujirem. ^l1i^€V uiB^p^ir^dO^ ^iLi^ J^Q^^pe^^ Qs^^iji
6ffiLt^e\) a^Ldinir ^(^uu /retro- ?
Will the wopa^n who wept as she clung to the , post of a itfarriage
pandal at be silent when dhe attends.a fan'eiral f
J
TAJHL PR0VE11B«. 2113^
He has never beea a^a wedding, nor has he heard tte sound of a*,
tom-tom.
2214. 'SeSujfTesssrLD Q^iu^tJb d=eir&fliu.TSujfr ?
What, thoughv married y^t a SanjiAi-ascetic V
22i5. ««u ^S^ih ^€s^6u^'y Lfs\) ^S^-LD /^(ijfi^eir.
Though in heart hard asa stone, aad worthless as a blade of *gra9%u
he is your husband.
Though one may escape the cast of a stone^ he-cannot escape the^^
glance of an tvU eye*
The evil eye\»m^^^ and the evil tongue ^irg^jy are -feared
very generally. To avert their influence as regards^fruits &c, in a^
gHfden, it 'is commoii to put up some object of attraction as a
waier-pot whitewashed, inverted oa a ftUunp, and dotted with black .
^pots dfc la 8«me eaolosHres gi^oteaqtie images ate aedi..
■ ■ » ■ •
[ 2217. ss\)(o0i^'3FQ^i^€k QuirSlp ^^y ^^^ (Su>(B OT<fO€D/rm fieQQ
All the roughi: and rugged gi:ound.befi)cev the sAone-cntter will be^
reduced tO' powder. ^ .
2218/ a^eu/TL-U) ujf.^^6u(o^Q LDe\) ^u.frQ^^
Do- XLot contend T^ith him. who has studi^id \kalladam.«
KaDadau a workoii the third part of grammat is imid to bC'exf-
iremely dry; ' ' ,
2219. . «^€V/r^/r/r Q^^en^^^ih dspQrj>ir eujpjstfim fBG\)LD,
ThJe* poverty of the learned is better than ^ the l^ealihjof the-
unlearned. . . ' •
The illiterate isfho boast of high^ank may be compfired to thfto
^ dust mixed with paddy-i^nA-w^ftec? rice.
L
1
212 . uifiQLbiri^,
2221. «fi?05\)/r/f p^peQ^Lb spQ(ffir uGn^ /bsvld.
The enmity of the learned is better than the friendship of the iUi
terate*
2222. «5Vsv/r/f ^L^peumeo ^mr^^i sl^sv «^,
Keep at a distance from the unlettered ; cross the sea of passion.
2223. seoeQ^m euesrsmm sesr^L^ir Q/s^^ld,
The heart of a great fool is harder than a stone.
2224. ^i^66l(^eo mirHr ^ifi^sSp^Qu/reo,
Like stripping fibre from a stone.
'2225. «6U^m (S^Bi^frtLjihCoUrreou Qu»S(ff^,
He speaks as effectively as the hitting of a stone on a cpcoanut.
2226. «^ji2/ii s^rrCoeufliLjui s_6rf6yfa5LL®ti eufripoi,
, May you live as long as the rocks and the Cauveri exist.
The river Cauveri rises in tbe Westerri ghauts and flows into the
bay of Bengal. It is tbe source of the great fortilitj of Tanjore and
the adjacent districts. According to*the legend it originated in the
following manner. In ancient times wlieh the peo|>le of southern
India suffered from diouglit, Ganesa became incarnate in the fom\
r. of a crow. As such he visited the abode of an ascetic on one of tbe
western hills. He there alighted on the waterpot of a hermit &nd
upset it. The water thus spilt, by reason of the bermiCs merit, be^
came a river : the current spelling would make the name the lake^l
the crow t the legend reqnii-es Uie word to be spelt sitQmjS crow
mounting, whereas AtQmi^ lake of the crow is common.
2227, «*^Ji2f euQ^Sp e96»)<y65)uj« dsessri^rrey) us\)2soa= QdQ^vtr ^^
On seeing the rapid approach of a stone press your teeth and shnt
your mouth.
222S. «6u350 ^fijiir/i <s0K/r«i«cv/rii), gp/ridBcir u^esr^si^i <sB«DTi45)i
Even gtones may he dissolved, hut the mind of a fool cannot.
J
"\MIL PROVERBS. 21^"
(!*229. <sQ}&o<s SGsnTL^rreo f6ir€syfui <s/r(?^(i)^ /bfrssitui S€ifrL^rr€\) aevhoi
On finding a stone we see no dog, on seeing a dog we find no stone.
2230. <9E6uS50<£ (^^j^eUfrQesr&fT 6s><s (S/srrSp^ er&frjp/ ^Qpeu/t
Why beat a stone and then weep, exclaiming it has pained my
hand ?
2231. ^eo2isOu(SuiT€oi sBojsreuar ^(T^dsi s^SdS(m ^opeunrQesr&fr ?
Why weep for kanji while yoQ have a husband as hard as a stone t
232. ss\)Seci Seir&fis enx ^tpi/S^ Quireoirih,
Like losing the hand by pinching a stone*
2233. ^eoeQ ^s\)e\)fr&sr Q^soeuih apiSeoeoir&r Mtfi(^,
Wealth without learning is like beauty without chastity.
2234. seveQ er&srp uii9(7^i(^i sessrssSUr er^p iLemipQeueifrQLCi,
^ Plants of learning flourish in the rain of tearft*
I ^ . ":
*; 2235. ^eceOiLiLD (^eonpiii Oeudveu^ eOegreQio,
When inquiring what will prevail, one's learning and rank nafur-
ally occur.
2236. A€veQ fL.efTetr §^^^m mesr Stpei^Gsr^
A well instructed youth is an old man*.
il 2237. seoeQsniuu uit^QuiTL^ (5Te\)rr^.
Learning cannot be allotted in portions-^o persons:
■ ■
1'238. seuQ^sttF/S QmfSliQeo /8soevfrQ/3^, sessn^€U&r flSsoenuj ^tni^i
Do not stand in the way of a stone from a sling, it may break
the head of the beholder.
t.239. «fifl Q9iT€ssn^iriri(^i Sirfl^, ^esifss' Q^eQQ£iirafeirfrfri(^
Praise to those who approve of a poem, and blame to those wh(y
will not listen to it.
.5240. <55Q9iQ«/r6wrt-./r/fi(^£i> Snr^^ ^SsOuu/riT'i(^ui Si'^^iDir?
Are those who accept a poem and those who reject it alike praise-
worthy?
0 king, manage a poet laureate and a superior elephant without fear.
l2242. ^€S)euiSS)\ULjupnSl^ iSQ£)SiD^u9^ srrSoOu t3zp-.
To effect your object, if necessary y cli«g to the legs of an, ass.
If an ass he wanted, it may be found feedinig near a ruinous wall.
If an ass be out of condition, it will be as useless as a ruinons walJ.
Why a bridle for ao ass I
2246* ^(ipes)fiu 'Ljmr^a^(^u t^(tp0 "^O^js/.
Dust is medicine for the sores of an ass.
Are an ass and a horse equal T
Like yoking an ass and a horso together.
*Can an ass appreciate fragrant ponder ?
Does m «80 become a hor^e Iq^ beijug sad4M '
The ^ass by weariiag away has beconie an ant.
Why a bit or a bridle for an ass I
J
TAMIL iPROVERBS. 215
lijjke tying b& ass and feeding a sacrificial fire.
This proverb relates to tbe following sto^ry. h^ oeriaiu Maliar^lja
]iad a bBi-bei* wholiud evinced great skijl in shaving his royaji master
wheD he was asleep. To reward hiai the Kiog resolved to elevate
him in the social. s^ale. The brahmans were called aad ofdcred to
make a brahman of, t<he barber. Tli^y set to work, kipdled a sacred
fire and the barber was led round it, whilst the priests uttered the
required incantations for accomplishiug their purpose.
The prime minister being of a somewhat f^^etioua tempera-
ment determined to metamorphose an aft. As the proverb inti-
mates he kindled a fire and led the animal round it. When the King
saw him tlius eug^od) he asked him what he was doing. The prime
minister replied by stating that if the brahmans could make a brah-
man of a barber he thoaght an ass might be made into a horse, and
he- was therjefore engaged in the ceremonj.
2254. «(z^s»^<a(^ tL.uQp^^.LD ^if^Qeo Q&'irek^^u> juuojs (mjr^
Though religious instruction be whispered in the ears of an ass
nothing will come of it but the accustomed braying.
*■ . > >■' j» '■■ I ' ■ >"'
Having married ^n ass, do you fear his kicking ?
2256. ^Q£.Gf>^(2ms\) (^jQ (sr^eVf ^piiSt ^^esr ?
;' What matters it whether you mount an ass, or alight from one ?
2257. a(Lp<S7)^(oLn<S\) (ST/SU-jth. Qu(l^S9)L£i ^^SsO.^ ^fllEiiS^lLjih ^^Q)LD
Though you may ride on an ass, you gain no honour, nor are you
disgraced by dismounting. '
Did the washerman become a farmer by ploughing with an ass ? '
•- \ ■
^259. ^(L^m^ s^(ip^ (^peusur (^tpL. .|^tg)g) ?
Ha^ the forester become a farmer by ploughing with an ass !
L
216 u ifiQ LD^tr L^,
2260. «!5(j^69)^ tO(tS/f i9(SlikiSi^eo ^eo/ruih ereisrasr fSi^t^ih erekesr f
Wlji^ij profit or loss will arise from plucking off the hair of an ass \
2261. ^Qpem/S Lbu9ir i9(Sisi@^ Q^^ih ssiLif- ^etreurr^ ?
Ca,n pne reign as a king by selling ass-hair ?
2^262. ^(L^e(fi^ai(^^ O^fiiLjUiir ss&v^irifl euir&'isgf ?
Does an ass appreciate the odour of musk T
2263- ^(Lpesi^i(9^u ujrQfi^Lo (^iLi^s^^eu/r^
The foreign caantry of an ass is a ruinous wall,
2264. ^(L^&s)^ ^ui9^^ (^iLuf^^areuBi^^^eo ®0«(5^.
if an ass goes astray^ it may be found near a ruinous wall.
2265* ^(i£€^JSu(Suir^Qu9(SV ggi/acv infTQifiLL-Lt^iT ?
Are there five kalams of fraud in the pack on an ass !
2266. SQpetfi^ cfliLlgwt- -^g)J^^ ^^^ tSjTiou (Seu€ifr®iJi €rmS(y^i
You say get a handful, although it be but ass dung*
2267. ^(ip^^Oeo mfiiLbaS ^evSso Qutuir Qp^jpinrrSso.
Her name is pearl necklace, yet on her neck she has not a black
bead.
2268. «(j^e9« ^q^gQu tSeirjja/ti (S^penp iSi^iQpfiBfr ?
What ! is it to tread in the mud every time you wash your feet P
2269. «(j^ffl/<i(g ejpp Q^iTQpiLvf-.
A k6mutti exactly fitted te the stake.
2270. ^cn-LO ^irjyQpeuSstr iBjriLQeuir^ih Ouirnr i9(Sda^Speu&f.
It is said that he who steals grain from the stack, will frighten
away the women who may sweep the threshing floor.
2271. cSB^iLfif sk^L^n^m^i ^essri^irs)) ^tf. QuiuUrk^ ^ui-IP^ ^^^*
If you cannot pluck up, pass by on the other side.
2272. «&yraj*i ,g&.4_/r^6»^<i SGssrtf^uJinjbeo ^Si^^iQ^ireir,
Do not fret yourself about that which cannot be avoided.
I
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 217
It is better to gain a quainter of a fanam by selling camphor than
a kalam by selling toddy.
2274. «cir«r^5j/ti ^S eBerri^LD i9uf.i3lQ}/^^,
He plays the thief and also holds the lamp.
2275. ^eneir eQ^eu/r^ui ^(ip^QfleosOfrm Q&'LJiiifrSoO, •
The neck of the hypocrite is covered with rosaries.
2276. setrerrSssriL^ih Qeuetreir ^SsffsriLfu^ siLt^eQiSl,
Secure a thief by tying, and a flood by damming it up.
2277. serrerru i9eifr2sfru9^LD Q^eae^iuiS&r^ e^essn^rr ?
Are there any indulged ones among the children of kallar:s ?
-
2278. ^eirefT^osr J^Q^ /BfftretTfrnr erekj^ntn.
No one will ever approve of a thief.
2279. ^etrerr^i^ CfliQ^ivev/rii eSetrenrru ustn<s.
The whole country owes implacable hatred to a thief.
2280. s&reir LDfrQ ir/ssn^ ^(ffjp.
A vicious bullock will not be brought to market.
I 2281. s&r4mSs9r /6Lni9^^ui (^ctrenSssr /6L6us\)frdifr^,
A rogue may be trusted, but not a dwarf.
2282. s&rstrefT iSsJrSu/rQj^ii (^sirewfiir i9^(cUir^uUL^fr^,
One may follow a rogue without risk, but not a dwarf.
8283. ssetretr^ ^s^^fld a(r(Sl O&ifeneirir^^
The jungle is not large enough to contain the fea^r of r jbbers-
An unwilling bullock is restless.
2285. ^eam ldsstld ^ea^Cb. • ^
A guilty mind is agitated. ^Ji
218 utfiQ LDfrtfi. ,
The IViendship of a rogue is not friendship, nov is kasiwood fuel
2287. ^^nefresr lj^Si ^(W,iL(BQu^(Seo,
The mind of a rogue is set on thieving.
2288 3iefrerr(5k t9Gfrdofr<i(^Li:i iSerrerru f-j^Sl,
Even the child of a thief is characterized by thievish propensites.
2289. ^STTGrr^T LbdosroQ <oS)^L£iQusssT ^esr^Lb,
The wife of a thief is Jat any moment liable to become a widow.
(opfTLnfT ?
Can the wife of a thief be consulted as an augur for the recdverj
of stolen property I
2291. ^syrcyr^^Lo QeuefrGfTQpLD g^ffir^,
A thief and a flood are alike.
I .A
2292. ^<c^<sfr^<i(^Lj urr,^Sl (Sl<oii(SfTerr^i(^u unr^^
One half to tiie rogue, and one half to tho' honest.
2293. ^6n(SiT^LD Q^fnLL^^^irir^LD €^^jpj,'
A gardener is another term for a thief.
If tlie thief and a gardener are united, one may steal till day-break.
— "-^ ■ ■■■■■I ■ ■• I urn
229-3. 'OJtorrsYreir O^ireaarL^ ld/tQ -(^^^eifinix (Si4frQtu^^ -^ '
What matters it to what ferry the bull may go that has been
bought by a thief ? *
2296. ^^rerr^<3i(^i «aB/r65afrt3sar^gW68r usiD-s,,
He who points out a thief is hated by him*
2297. ^<sn(si?l QuQ^^^ (oT&iresr? miriu ^essri^n; iSipio ^.essn^iT ?
What if the kalli grow large ? Has it any fruit or any shade !
J
TAMIL PROVERBS 219
The whole country is a wild JU for ilw gi^owtli of the kalli.
2299. ^^<siFl^ QsinMLjm(^ QeuefT&fluLieikfr ^iL.Vf-Gisr ^Quired ,
Like attaching a sil^^er feiTule to a kalli stick.
Why you hypocrite, inlay with gems ? that which ia in the ear is
made of brass.
2301. ^6rr(strH(^th QeuiLi^^ sp(nf>&f)ifii(^th QeuiLQSp^,
After cutting the kalli to cut ih« kattalai.
2302. s^Gtf!<i(m^ ^€6ST<os^lr ^6mes^(os\)y /S^i^^^ ^Gssres^ir iSemi-O
The tears of a thievish woman are in her eyes, those of an
abandoned woman are in her eyebrows*
2oOS. ^Gfrei?ii(^ oieoMiT fSessreissB^sv,
A thievish woman has a kala/m of tears in her eyes.
What avails a fence against a thievish woman, or an axe for cutting^
twigs ?
uir&sr.
Where there is iJieft and gambling, there will also be a wL ^-
monger.
I ^306, ^eadoiT^ (mt^^^iT<50 ^^meiKSis)^^ Q^irs»eurr^,
Should he drink toddy, he will tell the truth.
Yielding an ulak of milk, and kicking out the teeth.
2308, ap/s/s urr^LD cr<fF@^ i9pi^ tScirS^/zyzi er<sFS^,
First drawn milk is unclea^} and so is a first-born child.
220 u ifiQ LD fr i^^
2309. ^pii^ UfT&V Qp2svi(^ ^J3/LD/r ?
Will the milk that has been drawn, again enter the udder?
2310. ^pi^ UfrSs03s ^(Tiu^^nfLnp (^ij^^fBrcio «/r«F eBoJir^ ^tt^ef
ior($lU®LD,
If fresh drawn milk unboiled be drunk, consumption may be cuiei
2311, *^^^^ erffV€\)frLD fBessffssSir Qeucsf^^^^ ensoeofrub uirec eiesf
Wliatever is black he calls water, and whatever is white he calls
milk*
2312. ^jpnui-l Qeu^UL] ^9(r^y ^rCjUj^^sSuLj -g«/r^.
Black will not become white, nor bitter sweet.
2313. «^L/L/ /s/ruJ Oox/errSsifr ismu ^(^mir ?
Will a black dag become white ?
2314. ^jrnQp£ii9fTmflu uL^evijb €Uir&i8(yfr dBeQimrujir^
The poet is reading the section on grumbling.
2315. ^eaypiurreir Ljp/Si^ Mff^tJb ^i^Q&ireisft^^Quireo,
Like a snake that occupied an ant-hili
* ■ ■
2316. 6£^9ypiurr6!sr Ljpjp/u uinhLfi^ c^^o/ffl^^.
An ant-hill is useful to a snake.
2317. ^p^essTL^rrp Q^dj^ €TiLif.MeS s>a=i(^ii^!T \
Will etti fruit made of sugar-candy taste bitter .?
2318. sps9>^u9e\) <S56U6)9 <S5^zJL/, ^ppiSmi-f «5y^(?€a/ §jeSuL],
Learning when being acquired is bitter, but when possessed it i»
sweet.
•i !- i
2319. ^pu^jS(f^^(neii3F ^irirkjs ^hts^ll ^npJBLb e^eirr^p/ui.
Even a crow th it lives in the kalpaka tree feeds on ambrosia.
2320. spi^^^eam aesBrSssvri Qdsrr®jifleii&ir,
He who gave the eye is he who tatight.
1
TAMIL PROVERBS. 221
2321. spi9ji^€uar ^Tuuirp^euir&r^ ^
He who preordained will protect or guide*
^m, spi9€\)eoir ^^(5 eunr^Sssr (Da)eu/rL/ ^,
Beauty without chastity, a flower without fragrance.
2323. ^pp ^L^^^evir eQ^GD^gseniud 6i>Tu.QSlp^ p
To practise a trick on him who taught it ?
2324. spp€ujr^ (SsfTULD /f/flsir i9i<sfT^Qutrs\) lut^ld.
The anger of the learned passes away as water recovers its surface
after bein^ divided.
2325. ^pp^ €9)6Btusireii se))^ir^ eL-evsserrsij,
What he has learnt is a handful, and what he has still to acquire
is wide as the world.
26. ^pp^ O^F/reucu/reif Lbpjpt er&sfesr Q^iueuir^ ?
What other service will he do for you who would not tell you what
he has learnt f
2327. «pp6U€g)ji(^ eS^sm/S ^/r€\> fsrrifi.
To the artist his art is but a quarter of a n&li.
2328. ^pp eQjienflemtuds ^/nii^&i (^i^dQpcu&frQi irrQeo,
Like one who boils and drinks his learnino^.
2329. ^pp'pS Qin/remtfiiUfruj ^jr/rQ^.
Be not a learned fool.
-^330. ^ppeu^ih ^mrufreir, J3upp€U(et^ih e^muiretr^
A learned man and a fruitful woman will not suffer from want oi
food.
^^^^m^M^
'2odl. ^p(fir^es}ifi mtrppopLb i9^/s^ 6ff<f<^npLo (Suir<3^fr^,
Th?6 ill odour of the karrdli and the bad smell emitted from brass
will not leave them.
2332. ^PQffGtiffi Qjp/^fiir^ih ^2ssr j^t^ etneuisrr^.
Though tlie karrMai be small, the elephant will not tread upon it.
222 tip tfi 0 Ln IT i^ .
2333, «^j2/d5 Od5fr(B^^ Qu&'ShtD ^L-tf.6s QdSfrQ^^ s^fr^QjhLD er^-
How long will worda put iato one's mouth, and rice prepared for
a journey, la&t?
2334. «/DJ2/<5B <3B/DJ^LJ Qu^^ItQ^^
Do not speak in a studied way.
2335. ^/bjpjih ^pprSQibFTs^ip,
Though he has learnt, he continues a learned fool.
2336. ^pjryLo £spprSlQu^rres)Lp\Ufr?
What, to be a learned fool I
2337. <shp(o(7rf>/r ^-^fflDm ^pQ^fir ^jSwn",
The learned' know the worth of the learned.'
2338. «fi56W" «^<SZD^ <35€Sr /SS^L-LD,
Excessive desire entails great losa.
2339' <5B6W <sr<oSI (sudofr (Stl-tt^,
^hen rata^ are numerous, they do not burrow,
2340. <a?€37-« LD/r/fl Ou/TLpl/h^^QufrQisD,
As it rained; gold.
■■it . f . . . V ■ ■
Dignity gains approval, meanness entails loss.
2 34 2* ^ SSr^^- e_ L_ 62DLD6B(^ ^SSTIT^/SW ^ ©V SsO ,
Solid jewels are invaluable.
2343. ^6sr^^(rs\) ^ssriD,T(^m L-/swryi^T<^ <3F(SsrLbnr(^ui,
Dignity or worth increases relatives,, wealth secures society.
2aJ44. ^<oSr^^.p(^ fSp^GPSTLD tBi^^PDiD^'SBfT/kS^
Virtue is the support of dignity.
2345. ^(ssr^e^^i ^swrih ^/SUljlo ^^Q^su^wtLQu ufrSsore^iu /smu jy/Su^Ui.
Dignitj is appreciated by dignity^ the ppt of -dried fisif ia. fcaown M
Qie'dog. .. - . 1
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. '223
A great fool loses his substance.
Even in its dreams. the crow's thoughts turn on eating filth.
2318. ^€sreQ<5\) semL^ L/'SsaFrii ©cre\i®9^^<5R ^^siillt ?
Will the money seen in a dream meet one's e^pan^es !
The wealth seen in a dream, the water observed iu a mimcre.
4350. «swai5^ e-ossTi— Q^ir^jj u^ ^f'res(muifr ?
Will the rice consumed in a dream appease hunger ?
The story of a woman given in marriage to a man seen in a dream.
Ripe fruit fails of itself.
I 2353. <35(Safi/B^ ULpLb Sir ^sitjjS'ir 3iir^S)\u tL^^iSi^il-i^n ,
*
You have eaten the ripe fruit, and you hstve shaken off the
unripe.
What, to leayes ripe fru^jt and to eat unripe ?
23p5. ^eisTLb^^^p <3Ffr^iij(ciir(£l<3=» Q<3^(osr.LL^^Q/^(5\) ^evSsi).
Caste arises from action, it is not from birjbhv
Will . gn^iite be dissQ^y^d by any amount of hail T '
4857. mmLD^^j^s\) euiB^^ ^eiri£)7Er©@??u '(oorrs^oedesffrQtxi,
That . wJiich hiw come of :acti<)ii*^5i^-must go by aUns giving v^lidi^
L
224? U IfiQ ILfT L^»
2358. ^^Si ®®<*«*'* ^.T^^^Satr uireo speufTu usr isekjpi Q«f^^
i^P(^ ^evuunrs\) spi(mu^ir f
Will a cow that gave milk worth a small coin while its calf lived,
give a kaJam after her calf is dead ?
2359. «sirj2/<i^Ll^633Uj ^sQtfi^sSiF Q^ir^^nr^enir stL(Sl^fB(Sim^ii
Did they tell you to loose the calf or to pull up the peg ?
■ III ■
2360. ^^j^ft^ u^i^skjih srrQL^/6KSmujfs^fre\) ^esr^ sekjpi eu^Qiu ust
When the calf and cow go out to graze, each takes its own way.
2361. «69rj3/«6rr/ruj« «L/p.« tfSsrr UfSiau Quir^eo ene^iiQ^ir^ ^^
If a herd of calves weed the corn, will there be any straw, or ever
dry stubble ?
2362. ^cJrcw/D* ««wr® ^if-euf^ijb usr€S)euuQurr(Se\).
Like a cow that comes running on seeing her calf.
2363. «€irg)6ir iBL^u^fTL.m (^tueuar ^i^Qutreutr^^
When the brazier begins to move, the potter will abandon hil
dwelling-place.
2364. ^^^SPi^(S (ip^siirQesr sapegy^ urQfi^in Quir^pCSuirQ^.
As an ass went on a pilgrimage before a copper-smith.
2365. ^ekea{) ^(5«««i £Bir2str Locaarii Qutr^jB^tru^ir P
When a virgin is yet unmarried, may the youtli-A/r hMhf^
marry?
An
2366. «/r«/i^(?6V Qa/srrSsrr 8L6WfL-/r,^
Are there any white c"row8 ?
2367. <s/r<£^^eir sessr^i^i^u i3irmsusy^ Quir^ir iSpui,
To the ^y^ of it cro# the flo'^er of th^ gourd is tisg^ with goij
TllfIL PROVERBS. 225
2368. «/r«ii <s/r <sT&ir(ffio &em^2ssr ^uufr eresrjpi stLt^^Q^rr(Sfr(^
eu/reirfrLb'
It is said that when a crow caws she will exclaim, alas, and cling to
Ler husband.
2369. sirdiih (QTfSu uesriBJsnrtu e-S^tu/r ?
Will palmyra fruit fall because a crow alights on the tree ?
2870. ^nrmih ^eoeoir^ smiir UfT(sQ ^e\)so/r^ emir^
Vicious persons are not found in a village which has no crows.
2371, «/r<5Bli ^Q^^^U ULpLb 69(Lpi6^^(oUfr(Si),
I
Like the dropping of the fruit when a crow alighted on the tree.
The country in which crows do not exist is without mussalmans.
2S73, &rrsih afreoCoLD sir sir ereisf^ m^^ixi.
Crows will caw at day-break.
0 punnai tree, AUosandridn laurel, hast thou blossomed for Xakan
and i'ookan, couldst not thou haye waited till the arrival of
my husband ?
2375. «/r«i (55 /ruj«i (^^^ «^®J^^ (^^ (^(^Sr Quir&r (^<^3r^
\ Though but a young crow, it is a golden one to its mother.
\ 2376, S!ries>su9p sfi^ serrfrihuifiih,
Kaik fruit, 4oiri88a, is blacker than a crow.
2377. sirdesi65u^LD (^u9/b (^^€s>^^ ^eir ^(^&i-(oUfreo €U€rr{rd(mLOi,
Even a crow will bring up a young kuyil'-lndian cuckoo-ns her
own.
2878. tf/r<£6S)<S5<S^ JM^^ (^GSSTlh,
The crow has iive chaxactenstios,
If
226 uJifiQu^iTLfi..
2379*. ^ffA&fi'S- ^/Steisr^th uesfmutfiib effnp/s^^LD^
The alighting of the Qrow, and the falling of the palmyra fruifc
2380. ^frissi^u^iii s^jS^.^^^LjQurr.Sp^ ^Q^eujrCSih ^6\)fr./B^ Qu.r
TJhe crow/ continues to caw whilst the kanivadui (salted' fish) dries..
2381. 3ifr^ssi^\Lfu> iSjrpjTifth Qurr6S(^ e^emL-fr^ev mnFiit,
Grows and winds go hut to. return.
2382. <3Sfrii<5S)^eiDiui ««ja(7® ^^^eifir&r m,jri^&fi\ULJ i3i^^^^ <5bi1(S,
Sh^ is afraid;oii;86eing a crow, and yet she will capture a bearr
2383; «5E/r«€a)« (sj/Scsf G)<s^/iL/ ^esy^iUfr^w ?,
Will upt. the branch.shi^keonjwhichiaicrow alights ^
Kltsi i? fonnod;of. two lett^sq^ only, hpw iwpy daysswill it take t<xi
rpach.it?
2385. ^ItS^(^U (oUiriLllIi dS^LULb O^^SsOttJfifiiJuSso.
Thpugh:OQe hasgone to Benares his sim are not removed^'
2386. dB/rSijgju Quir^^ih ^siu<5s>u ^«o/r<i«/r^,
IJipugh, taken, tp.Ben^re^^ai'^Poden. ladle will fetcbibut. half : a,
cash,
2387i. ^fr&i(^u Quir^^Lb «P Qup euifi ^^^.
AUhpugh be nmy go to Elusi, be will not find the way to heaven.
What ! leaving goBe to Kdsi i^it to iell at.the feet of aflame ascetic >
If .you wish to strike the eyes of one at E^i, do you go, f(x tkst piir?
]^e, with outstretched hand from Conjevaraiat.
TAlflL FROVKBBB. SiT
Why should a peoniles^man talk aboat pagodas?
If you are free with your money a harlot will^come, if you give als#'
a kalam of rice, her sister and her mother will come;
2392. «/r.»«^v5 ^(Tj (5(g5^ eSlpQif^LD eBessrisi (Jj^j* «^*''"^.
Though youi^ birds are sold^a cash each, an accountant's young birJi
is not good..
2393, «/r<»F<flE^ ^aS (555^ eQpdy^ui ^BLbin/rswi @g5<* •SJ**^^;
Though sold for a single cash^nevef buy a smith s birdi
Though doth may be eheap;.dog8 go naked.
2396. <5/r5r««L(S Slfi^&h^L^mLJLJ QuiTiBp^i
The money ba^et has become a charcoal basket:
— \ — *
2396. ^trari^u Qurr^esr LDfresrih Qs/rtf. Qstr®^^/r^ijD eujrrr^;
Chastity lost for a cash will not be recovered by acrore.
2397. sfretf)^s Qi9BfrQ^\^65 (5^^ i£i/r<Sl Q^QSp/sir ?
Will you buy a. vicious cow at a high price I'
' If you go to-Conjeveram*, you may eat without labour.
■
I 2399. sfri^6i(^LJ Quirij^ fsSir QdBirGsirQeuiB^^Qufreo,^
Like goihg for vinegar and bringing curds.
Both will be benefited, he who watches^ the jitng^e and he vrh»\
waits at the cutchery.
2401* «/rO eurr srmSip^ e^Q Quit eresr^p^.
Home bids me go, and the place of incremation s^ys come;^.
V
228 UipClLb(tt0.
2402. ^^® sSSsrr/B^ir^Lb ^q^ QinQ eQdsir/B^fr^LD SL^&tr si^i^
(SufTLD,
The debt will be discharged in either case, whether the jungle or
highlarid yield a good crop.
-'■ -' -
2403. ^^® eQdofruJfreQL-L-fr^LD SL^etnLD (Sufr(^inir ?
Though the waste land has yielded nothing, will the tax be re*
mitted ?
2404. "S"^® Qsu/B^/rp 3=iB^<osr LojrQf,LD Q&JsirCojSfr ?
Should the jungle be consumed, would the sandal wood tree escape f
2405. «/rs3)£- ^^^ <|^(g)^ iBfTtl&DL^ ^isir&)(nh.
If a quail crosses one's path to the left, he will govern a province
2406. ^friLif-S Qi9SfrQ^^6S s^L^i^Eu Qumu iSpm^irwir ?
is it proper to betray one, and then stand aloof I
2407. ^iTiLm-(so M^S!^ujs sfTLLif- effiLi^ev Oueindssm^ Qsfr®iS
p^fT ?
Is it to give a girl in marriage when an elephant in the jungle is
shown as dower I
Though a man dies in the jungle, ceremonial uncleanness will attacb
to his house.
2409. ^friLQu L^253r«S(5«^ Qisuirn^^id sQjr^Lafr ?
• Does the wild cat observe the fast of Sivaratri ?
— — — — * III ■>
2410. <fB/r^®«^(5 (STiB^ps fQevfTiSifUi &ir€sr^i(^u Quoj^ msaji^iL/Lh;
Moonlight in the jungle and rain in the plains.
2411. ^fTiLQ eufnsDifi eui^ir^ eff'ilQ euirip^ Qufrr^iD.
When wild plantains come, domestic prosperity will vanish.
Is a wild gourd fit for cutry ?
J
TAMIL PBOYSBBS. 229
2413. smLQi (Sdsfrtfids^^ ^jrp (^ifiQiu 68)««v/r4F/i,
The hole in a mortar is paradise to a jungle fowL
2414, SinL®LJ LL^&'%G1T €T^ir^^ «65>^ ^^<!F.
It has become the story of wild insects offering resistance.
2415. snressri Qghl-^^^ s/rir^^ssisu t90npQuir€O,
That which was seen was like the new moon of November.
2416. sfTessTUULLL^esT erevev/rii ^tBuJUULlL^esr^
All that is seen is temporary*
Have I seen kambu-millet for the first time, poond it without
scattering thou nose bleeding woman T
2418. ^9GsS ^errm effCBl Qeus^Q^ sit2solj iSlt^^^ ^Qg^^ «flB55>^.
The story of one pulling by the feet the landlord whose house was?
on fire.
2419. «/r6Baffl (S7/D« CS^rn^ ^tfitLfLD,
While -^-Q is added a crore is destroyed.
2420. «/r€3afl &6QipfBjgaCSufr8p^nr ?
Does land turn upside down ?
We must acquire by eightieths and spend by crores*
The profit or loss on an eightieth part of a unit, will determine
that on a crore.
A little iodotence creates great trouble;
2424. SlTGSl^ LD/B^Ui Q^fTi^ ^^SLD,
A little indolence will bring great sorrow^
330 • . uifiXSmfrifi.
:2425. ^fr^ih gSlL® ^Q^sfr^th srpj^Sp^Quireo,
Like ranging over the distance of two kathams instead of om.
:24'26. ^ff^i^ QsitQ^^ ^(5«S5/r^Lb eu[rii(^Qp^Quireo,
like giving a katham and getting two.
5427. s^iT^euiB Qumu ^fSvuir^rrm u^it^ld <5Te\)e\)frLiy ibl^iz^it^w,
fie who never walked a katham is said to have walk^ed a wlio\e
month.
:2428. ^fT^euipl Qumu ^filiutrm sq£€9)^lj L9puLf.
He who never walked a katham is an ass.
2429. sir^euiS Qutuir ^eveorr&fr dsapejsi^CoOJ/rQ ^S(j^ih,
He whose reputation does not reach a katham is lik^e an ass.
:2430. sBfr^Q(S(s\) /sirjrir&'LD ^p/S^p (Surre\),
Like an iron wire passed into the ear*
:2431. ^n-^€\) S(S\)/B^ ^^^9- ^e^r/B^.
0 Ananti, I have a boil in my ear, utter an incantatioB.
.2432. «/r^ ^J^^^ ^-cfl Gns(oiii(oe\),
TJhe hife for tearing the ear is readily paid,
« ■ ■ III ■
• *
A monkey may -tear the ears or hunt lice if he choose.
5434. «sB/rji/ <5/r^ erssr(7rf>eo mrr^ mfr^ (STmS(fff&sr,
If one says, «ny ear, my ear, he rep>lies it is mine, it is mine.
:2435. ^/r^ <s/r^ €r&r(ffe\) Q^eQ^ Q^6Q(S) er&srQQy&fr^
If one cry an ear, an ^ear, he cnes deafness dea&ess.
2436. ^fr^ (^^^U QufTj^iaiTfBtT ?
Can you not bear the boring of your ears I
2437. 9fr^i(j^ ^iLi^ireo Qps»^^k(^ -^*P@«
If worn in the vcars, they will add beauty to the £ac6.
TAISIIL PROVlERBS^. 231
Having put on ear*t>ings he itraflks about shaking them.
^^i^»j I'll II
2439. strath sir^ih ^6U^^frp(Sufr&) ^^i^iOeuawQih,
It should be as if an ear, and an ear^ were brought in contact*
2440. ^(resifs jkfjpi^jseu&sr mesirdstnsrtLiU^ {^jk^euw^ f
Will he who cut off the ear strike the eye also ?
2441. ^fT^^Q^iB^ea&sr QuGarL^frtLt^GDOJ Qeapjpi cnenH^eir i3i^^
A stranger took possei^sion of the wife of him who was watch-
ing her.
»• I I t ■■ I I 1 I -in
2442. sfri^Qpih ^siSinubQuiT^,
Like a magneit and needle.
2443, siruuir ^i^^i m^eir&sr g)6vSso.
He who takes care of his property will not be robbed.
Like a wounded monkey.
2445. ^iriLjLD Lf(t£,^p(^6P ^rrtL^LD Sjfiev Quires,
Like a falling shadow on a sun-striken worm.
2446. arrdj^^ u^jr^^eo meo er/iSuSlih &ir\utrfi LLir^^i\) Aev wT/yJ
uQld.t P
Stones are thrown at a fruit bearing tree ; are they thrown at that
which does not bear T
Stones and other missiles are thrown at a fruit-bearing tree.
2448. '&iT\u^fB LLjTLD 6uSsfr/B^ fS/b(^ix> iBp(^GssrLL e-etDL-OjeuiT ^essfl/hj^
fSpurrnr^
A fruit-bearing tree bends ; the virtuous are lowly.
2449. ^rriLii^ LbffCb fi&fl/r^(^tnrr p
Will a dry. tree bud I
L
232 uffiQiBfTi^.
2450. sfrdjiB^ intrCSl ^iit9(?6V ^(i^m^frpQuireo,
Like a starving cow faUing in the kambu-millet.
2451. ^nruji^ L/gfl ^lLQ i£i/B(5S)<SBu9(Sso eS(LpSp^(Surrev ^^
Like a hungry tiger falling on a flock of sheep.
A lean tiger falls on a cow.
2453. ^fruj/B^rr^Lb Qeu/BiSir ^euth QurrQu^rr ?
Is water useless because it is boiled I
2454- ^fniiiBfl eurresTth Quiuk^ir&) eBt^ir^ ?
Bain after drought will not soon cease ?
2455- ^fTlilij^LD Qa®^^^ QuiU/B^LD Q^Q^^^,
Jt was destroyed by the sun and by the rain.
Grass serves as food for kine, and as an ornament to a flower garden.
2457. «/r/fi«2D« isp^i <5g9 Q^ired^eu^p Gu/fle5)« Q^inLi^u i3^tj.
. It is better to live by beating a drum than by composing verses
according to the rules of prosody.
2458. «sB/r//?iL/65«/rir6ir 0«^6uSsoa9(?6U S(mev)^ Qu^iur^^,
The ass grazes in the grounds of the industrious.
2459. ^itBiu^^Qgo mesoT ^6v«v/ri/>eo eff'iflaj^^CS^ ^^Sso,
His sye is on the object, not on the attendant appli|.use,
2460. an'fiiu^^^(^i» aapes}/Bu9Gsr sfrSsou tSlif.,
If necessary, secure your purpose by clinging to the feet of aii a^.
2461. ^frffioju^ QuiS^QjSfT effiBujLo Qu^Q^ir ?
Which is the greater, success pr boasting T
2462. <5B/r/r jy^<i<gPLL®Lb s^^B f^^stLQth,
Wait till the k^r paddy is reaped, and the brinjal blossomst
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 233
246J. sfrir^^ss>3sd(^ Qmeo u^onifiiLjiD ^^Sso^ ^Iressr^Sf^ Qij^iv
No rain like that of November, no liberality superior to that of
Eaman.
Karnan, one of tbe seven princes distinguished for great geaarusity.
2464. sirii^^esi^LJ i9<s(Dp(Sufreo6s memQi—^,
«
I saw it like the third-day moon of November.
1465, «^6V(g^ O^'UjQp^ (o6Bfr6\)LD Q<Fdjajrr(p^,
Time will effect that which mere parade cannot.
2166. «/reu^ Q<3F\uSip^ ^/re\)£i 0<5F(uiu/r^.
The world cannot accomplish that which time effects.
2467. «/r60^^/g)6V O&'iu^ ^m fS .
A benefit conferred opportunely.
2468. <95/r6V^jS^ Ouiu^ Lncs)Lp(oUfrid\),
Like seasonable rain.
"»"^-"T-^^
2i59, Sir€)^^^^(m <Qjpp Q<S,lTG\)IXi^
Equipage suited to the occasion.
2470. ^nr€i)(oLn erQpfB^n^m/^j d5/r<S(S2D<sB ^iBi^si) ^^ir^^
The sight of a crow on rising of a morning is ominous of evil.
The ci'ow being regarded as the vebiole of Saturn the sight o^
a single crow is inauspicious*, two are not so regarded. The oawin^
of a prow may excite apprehension. When this is the case the fol-
lowing formula may be nsed.
Measure the length of your shadow by the foot and a<ld 12 to the
number of feet ascertained. Then divide by 7 and the remainder
will determine the import of the bird's note (1) Good luck, (2) G.iin,
(3) Rain, (4; Conflict, ^5) Feasting, (6) Victory. If on dividing hy T
there is no remainder the cawing of the crow is oroinotis of death.
2471, ^/revii ^fSiB^ ^fre\)LD ^(2^(5-
Regulate your affairs with due reference to the times in ivHch yow
live.
t234 LJ^fp Q ^^ J^«
2472. «/7€vii 0<35lL(S<s Qn3^ui9i^€s><9' &r(Sl^flfrp(Sufreo,
Like receiving alms when in distress.
He Avho does not live according to the times will become an ape.
2474. cSBTgVli QufTLb &}fT!r^9Si^ jSjbr^LJb, SLJU6\) QunLD ^efTip /6;D(jii.
Time goes, words remain, a ship goes, the shore remains.
2475. «/r6V£i (oufresr «/rsv^^a) ^6\)ld eu/h^ ^^iStCi^^Qu^^.
As one is subject to piles in liis riper years.
'2476. ^Te\)ijb ^cvcdir^ sfrev^s^QQ^ d5LJUs\) ^lLl^,
A mariner in unfavourable weather.
5477. «^/r6V/r(?6u i5L^f6^fr(S\) sir^euiSy js2^ujfr(Ss\) /BL-ih^ireo er&i€ues^\
If on foot it is a katham ; how much more distant if one walk oiv
the head ?
What he tied with his feet others cannot untie with the hand«.
2479. «/rei955V uiLL-i9p^ir Srr^<Tn'!rth (oufr/strjp p
Aftnr having hurt the foot is it to be attributed to planetary in-
fluence ?
To fall at the feet is good, to fall on another is bad.
2481. ^freQA^ UL-t—^ ^^ssSi\) ulLL^^Qufreo,
That which struck the feet was felt as if it had struck the eye.
2482. ^fr^i(^Lj QufTiLL-ireo ^^^(sf^u (SufrQS(^<oir,
If he puts ornaTnents on his legs, he will put ornamen^^ on his
head.
2183. &!T^<i(^i m®uQu ^(sOiTy iekfii— ueo&sr gjsJr^ii) ^'ffiSso.
Ko "benefit accrued but the trouble of walking.
1
TAHIL PROYERBS. 23-3
2484. «/rj^<i^« 6»n« EL^sfl 65)««(^dB «/r0o tt^^sQ,
The hand helps the legs and the legs help the hands.
A slipper suited to the foot, and labour suited to the hire.
2486. «/rj^i/^ -^^p O^Q^ULj fi2eoi(^ •S®'^'' ^
Will a slipper that fits the foot do for the head ?
2487. «/r3a)i^ ^pfSea uirthL/ si^^^rrs\) giiStu eQi^ir^^
The snake that has coiled round the leg will not leave without
biting.
3188. «/rS50«5^ 0<F6b ^^^treo ^(Sl^^ LD6S)tp ^i^ik^ui.
Should winged white-aats come out in the morning the heavy raiu
will cease.
2489. «ff2iO ^u9eO0U/r^ih u^nSso ^(f^uufr^th u^nr.
He who sleeps after day-break, and he who keeps awake in tlie
^ fore part of the night are worthless.
2490. «/rSsOLJ i9t^^^ c^eaflttJosr &Meinir<3= 3ipp8i ^^<i(5/-i.
If Saturn seize the feet, he will drive one round the villa£:e.
2491. ^nrSsou ussfH^Ui &€S8r^^^(^th ^i^jp Q<ff'e\)euth,
Wealth is comparable to the morning dew, and the twinkling of an
eye.
Dreams of bliss and premature wisdom are not lasting. '
2493. «/r^ ^etrCSeu ^^u^mh muuS<!ssr ^tLi^ih j^so ^en'^eu ^^
The speed of a vessel is proportioned to the force of the wind, the
quality of cloth will be as the yarn used in its manufacture*
5494, 9irei> ^L-i Qsrreo ^®Lb Qsfreo <^^« (^ir!Ei(^ ^®">.
The foot puts the stick in motion, as that movf^s, the monkey
dances. *
230 u tpQ LD ir L^^
Where there is a little wind fire will spread, where there is lust the
affections will be fastened on women.
Two cash for walking on foot, five cash for the swing of the ams.
2497. <5B/r^ u^irpS^i 6aL-i^^<s\) ^ssTLD (^siopuju^fr ?
If one be tied cross-legged, will his weight diminish I
WWiM^Hi^WM
, Can he who cannot leap over a channel leap over the sea f
2499. ^frSULp-U UfTfTLD ^in6i@p(Sil ^^(^^ O^lfiiLjLCi,
The weight of a burden is felt by the bearer.
2500. ^n-6us\) ^rr(v€sr urretf>SiJ!Uiri(^ ^Lp(m,
Chastity is a feminine grsLce.
Wi^i^mmmm^^
2501. difrQeuffl ^psiDp LDrSuuinu a/r/T<iQ&s)^ ubT^^^i ^nosi^s> «y*
^jTSssJtLjth u^fSuuiTiun- ?
You may stay the Cauvery, but can you hinder the full mooB oi
November if he be in Cancer ?
^^^•^^•^'^rmatmm*
2-')02.' ^frQeuS) ^(^QujfnijLJ (Sufr(^^ih miruj fsiS^^rreir g)^<5*
Should the Cauvery become kanji, the dog would partake thereof
by lapping.
The green leaves of the palm laughed because the dry ones fell «ff*
2o04. ^!T&?iQ^fTlLL^^S^^ ^pum 6Q(T^<ffmp.LD ^(T^i(^Ui U^JSeU/T^,
Even the katpaka tree in the garden of Durga is of no use to man-
kind.
The katpaka tree is said to yield whatever a suppliant may rcquir*
J
Tamil proverbs. 237
2505. ^^^tiuuiLL^ili Qu/r^^LD ^otfluuiLi—iD Qurr^j^^
The name Kali may become obsolete, but not the (nickname) Mooli^
ihe earless.
A cat worth a quaiter of a cash consumed curds worth three
quarters of a cash.
2507, sirpfSso ^<3suulLl- suusv(Surre\) ^"SsoQ&srp^ LbesriJi,
The mind is ap^tated like a ship in a storm.
2508. ^rrpjr^imaair mesitpai^n' Qu!T!T^^^Q<%rr<sirisiT jpGS39<i<35fr p
Is it as a security against the wind and raia that you are thus clad ?
'■ «
2509, ^ITp£)ni(m €r^lfl(oS\) ^LJl9l^S» QP<9S^^iCd6\) gS(T£,IJD,
If one spit against the wind-the spittle-will strike his own face.
2510. sn'p^6i(^^ Q^itgs^ €r^ir/i^ ^t^tr^,
A dhony cannot sail against the wind.
Will the wind blow so as to avoid certain persons I
>M*v»^aa.^a.b^h
2512. ^irp^ ^^efrenQuir^ ^ffpfiUQsftm mQ^ibLf u^etrGtrQutr^
Wiiinow when the wind blows, work the sugar-mill when the cane
is ripe.
*
2513. ^irpdnpu i9i^^^i sirs^^eo jys3)L_<i<56U/rLD/r ?
Can one seize the wind and confine it in a small vessel I
2514. ^fTpS^pU UfTir^^^ i3BUUe\) IBITlLQ,
Anchor a ship with reference to the wind.
Like the deer that wearied itself in pursuit of a mirage itnaginiiig
it to be water.
\
f
Leave the things as they are, aaid take the old man and put himom
the stool to bathe'
Tlie first thing done before a corpse is removed from the homeaUni^
is to bathe it.
Dwelling in a ruinone hut and dreaming, of a palace*
2518. SlLl^ eu/r mirQiu <or&srQrj>,<5^ Qp^Ssfnuj /Bi(^Sp^^
When called,, the dog licks the face.
2519. SiLt^frjs ^(cSsresip Q6ULLQi—<ssr LDp,
Forget at once' what cannot be obtained;
2520. Qgsstjpj QeuiLt^u ^/»ii LjpuuL.L.jrpQufreo ^Sp(Sp,
It has happened as if a demon had ^rung out of a well just dug:
2521' Sessr^u^ QeuiLi^^ ^eudefftLfiJb i9if.^^ eQQSp^ir ?■
What ! is it to dig a well and supply it with frogs V
2522. SiessT^ 8l-^65 ldSso 6B(soevir(o^,
Whilst there is a well donot excavate a»mountainr/br water..
2523. Slem^ii QeuiLi^^ ^irmiCi ^ir<idi6Vinbir p-
Must one dig a wellito quench his thirst?
2524. Si€fssT£)i Qll^^^p S^GkJssiir Ourr^tLjUi^
If there Be water the undermost ring of the well will be wet.
■
2525. 8essT£)i ^&DpM ^GsypiisiF aur^^Ca.
The more a welt is drawn, the better the spring.
2526i QesoTjT)! ^ui9^ ^jreQdo eQipeOfrwn F
Having escaped falling into the well, shall we fkll iiito a tank:! '
2527. Saxfrpesyp^ ^h^^B^io eii\BpGnp^\^h^(^m.
If the well i« to be filled up, the belly must be filled ug<.>
J
TABML PROV^BBS. 239<
WBo knows, whether the fn)g in the well did? or did not drink,
water!
4529. Sessrp^n^i ^eudsrri(^ ^esr rsfriLQ euetruuLb ?:
What has the frog in, the well to do with the news ofthe countrj- f'
2530. &s5srpjpi4i(^^ ^uiS^ ^tBQe^ ufnui^rresr.
Having escaped falling into the well he jumped into* the fire.
i'53I. Sear pes) pds messr® SL^eo ^^ikiSLjQu(r(mti^rr ?-
Will the sea shrink at the sight of a well?
2^32,. SiGssrpjpi^ fimresSes>{r Qeuetretrih Q^fTakfrSlCcUfr^^LDT p
Will; the flood carry away, the water of the well ?
Water sprang up in the well.
4534, Sessrpjpi Mtfi(LpLb au9pjrjif iSGfTQpLD ufTfrmmQeuessfQiLb,
The depth of the well, and the length of the cord .must be ascet'^
tained.
2535* SGfsrpjiSeo oQhpifimeir tn^ui^tLjLt ^(ipWJr^ ?.
Wall he who hasvfallen into ai well osLce falLin again ^!^
Like dropf)iii^^ stone into a' well. .
»
2537. fi«i-<i Sfiar£_ ^iXitJiLi-.&sr' (^LKsnu LtsvSQjr LfpCjuQio,
Kie more you dig in . the refuse heap of* the barber, ,the' more will 1
Ixair turn up.
%
38. fi«iri_«- ®6Mr/_ci SesiiriLju^ muQi(f^Ui,
The more you^dig, the more will greens and !hair appeari
2539. Sfjra ^iTm^^(^^ ^^mffLbumfesSi Qdiir&r(&^Sp^/r P.-
Will«liaTing counteract the evil influence of.a^plaiieti *
240 ULpQibirifi,
2540» S!.'fl^)UJ ^pQ(jYj>m ldsw/d ^irp^euj^ ^m ?
What ! is it for an evil-doer to teach religious precepts f
2541. SlQFfUfr fB^CSuj dF^Qi/r rd^.
The stream of grace is the source of all treasures.
Give rice to the a^ed and add mud to a riiinoUs wall*
2543. SlipU QUf3F<3i^ <SF(SS)Ui(^ (cJ-jryUbfT ?
Will the words of an old man go up to the assembly ?
2544. Sifisu^ -^(g)J0^ G)«lL«5)l_ -^(2)Ji2fto. &LLip-dBQ^fressrL-€iisft
She who marries will do well whether htt husband be old ot
poor*
2545« Stp6u^^(^ eu!TLp^<sin6iuU®Slp^^L£i SsssTppleo eQLpe\)frLOi
It is better to fall into a well than to marry an old man. ,
I
2546. SiLpeB Qu^^esi^i Qmesrjt^mirjrm QsiLuirQ^ ?
Will a musician listen to the speech of an old woman I
2547. Qlfi(s9lLjLD 65/r^LD (^^eDfnLfLD ^nr^Lb,
The old woman is a katham fit>m the horse, and the horse a kath&nK
from the old woman.
2548. SlpgQ ^(f^fB^ ePQth S&FI ^(f^fB^ «/r®ih ffQl-p ld/tlLl^itjiI,
Neither the house of an old woman, nor the grove in which there!
are parrots^ will be saved from ruin.
2549. Sififs^ 9Sso s>ir3r^(j^ ^jrsssr®^
Two rags for a cash.
2550. Sli^m^ ULaujnh airmmf^ ^fgsst®.
Two split tops for a cash.
Is it proper to train a parrot and give it into the paw of a cat f
TaMii proverbs. 241
2552. Qe^efituuQuireou Qu^a-ih iDti9Seou(Suir€0 mGDi^tLfLb,
Speech like that of a parrot, gait like that of a peacock.
2553* S&retru U(ipi(^iLfnh Serf? ^Q^is^ Qmir^mu^irm^
It is said that it ripens by being pinched, and that parirots will
nibble it leisurely.
2564, fflcJr^ar/r/rSip §iq^uu^^ih ^arf^Bf^eufrtrSifi ^(T^^seyxmh,
One may endure those who rob, but not those who pilfer.
s.
2555. Qifi ^if-^^ ufTLbLiQuwQeo^
Like a snake bit by a mungoose-
2556. SifH(^LD L//riiLy<i(gii ^jriru u«»«.
Inveterate enmity exiarts between the mungoose and snakes.
2557. SiBiL^ui uirLLLjUiQugeo,
Like a mungoose and a snake.
2558. Sesifri sesyL^si(^iM (sr^nr^sanL- QeuGhrQiii^
An opposition sh<^ is good even among green grocers.
2559. S&DfrsS(^LJ Lie\)^n^dB SQifi Qp^^^rrrhCSurrQev,
As if a parasite should spring from the lower part of a vegetable.
2560. Stviira dsiLesiL- QeuLLt^^, Q&'frek^ei)^ Q^frjressriJb aiL®Slp^fr ^
When 1 order the greens to be pruned, is a garland put up ?
2561. Scffitr^ ^seiirQ i9(S)i]s ^(oe\)e\)LJufr.LLQ (sr^ ?
Why sing el^la when plucking up greens T
562. Ses)ir6s>uj ^jrsJhQ ^{S uessf^Q^^ . .
Do not make two curries of a vegetable^
2563. Sa-^^iufreo uS ^q^ilit ? . ' V
Will hunger be appeased by fame f
\
16
L
242 mpQ^wir^:
2564. Sir^^ Oupj;i/ih SQ^^ih er^pyesr,?'.
2565. SQifi UifTLbi^ .(sr^0>(5oJ3ip^eo uf^priSQ^iafr,
If it i&^aid-jtbat ;a flnake, ifl| JjeJpv^hEj.lqQlj^ «p,.
Ki .
TJipug^^Gf jIq^jt or^in, thi^ l^i^ed jrai^s^witli 4h% highest. clas3t..
Her ea,rs^,are renti at, bo.tjti pii4^ ; iiji aij affray she is equi^l to ,Dur^.,
• ft
256^. S/iS ^pfSl^s>}j-jmr ^j^ih.
If lanced, the sore wU heal.
» ■
I£>ii^dee4 the, inc,eii9p ha/5 expejiedthe demon, whe^e,is.the signl'
-uplifted, h?;iids.
2570.'. (^iics^^ '^^^^ '^(i^^^ ^'^^^**'^'^^^^^ ^'*^
• C^jj the asp Which pieug^ied |liiq kungaip^m-a/^sg^ rciiti-appie-
ciate,9ceiit^?
The.dppfijtion to th^ pei^fupaed daipe, being five f^i^ams, is. five^
fai^ai^s. to be ,a8^igne4 to the blin^ wqman^also I
2572. > (5<g5©/fluLy<i(^ ^(5/5^ ^irLji9L- s^^w.^ffloL^w . Quir^p
Quired,
As if one lost Jii? nat,urj^.smile% taking mfidm^ a sim-
pering e?;pression. .
2573. (^tr^^^eo ^pfStu eQ&rai(^^
A lam]^ Ut in an earthen {)ot^T; ^
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. .21^1
2574. (^i^^^p QuiTik a^^^ ^Qu^tr F
Will gold in a pot dance T
2575. ^L^uuireo ^pijSfr^ih (^^etfur goLi^th ^i^ubtr iLl^it ^ ,
Though the cow gives a large pot of milk^ it is not .equal to tha ^
horse in speed.
2576. Qi^uurre^ api/Sir^uy ah^esyrr t9(Sliif^Sp LbtrQ ^6B/r^,
Though it may yield a large pot of milk, a cow that destroys thd «
roof is not desirable.
As if a firebrand were put into a pot of water.
i578. (gi— Ji2fii 3h^i^^iLb Q&ifrefifrt^j^ Qdsrrerrens,
Habit is the rule of tbe stomach and the hair.
2579. (^L^eo 3h.(L^^(^ ^(tpSpjasffih: Q^SfT^fsr^siDL^ y®/*(5 ^(tpSip^
[ It is said that th€i .stomach cries fot gruQl, and the tresses for./
flQWjer^s
2589. (^L^eu^.jy/s^ /5/0 erk/smkL(BiLb ^Qw ? '
How fnr can a jackal run after its bowels are dislodged ?
2581. (gi— 6\) ^jy/5^ (?<ss/ri^ ertEjQias (Siafr(^LD ?
Whither will a fowl go after its entrails haye been exposed I '
2582. (^if- ^0i^ ^fSl euj^ jBL^i^ ^fS.
Learn the character o/ a peraan by dwellirig with hiin> ;and the con^ -
dition o{ a road by walking in it,
2583. (5^.®'(5«^ Ufrnr 6h.LL®uUu9ir ^lL®lj Ufr/ir^
T«st hds social gimlitks by . living with him, «. (md Ids: Mneati/ by
joint, tillage .
■I' -J - I. >i 1 «, ,
He.^Q i^y^llft in. a humble cottage dreams, of ceiled apartments^. ,
L
2585. (59- ®cv6V/r sfftLtf-p (^emQLjQu(y^<3=dF/t&fi fe-CV/rca/izs.
Bandycootes will run about in an uninhabited house,
2586. ($^ ^s\)evfr sMiUQeo jiftf. ^u. «g«/r^,
w
It 16 a risk to set a foot in an uniDhabited village.
2687. (5^ ^s06U/r sfiff0<i(g mS ^jrrr^^,
A jackal IS king in a deserted village.
mt^m^mmmat
2588. @^ ^-etsiL-\uirQ<osr (y^i^ s^&ni^iufresr.
He is fit for kingship who is approved by the people.
2589. (^t^^Sp^ &h,tfiirib Gl<xfnju(srfids@p^ u&sresFjrirw,
He has gruel to drink, and washes his mouth with rose water.
2590. (^i^^Qp urr2so QeutfuiSd^ ediririSp^ir ?
What> is it to pour down the drinkable milk into a crevice I
2591. (^L^iQp^ ^iTi^ /?/r^ ^^p(^^ ^iEJ6seuLLi^e\)ir p
What you drink is sour gruel j dp you i*equirfe a cup of fine gold
for it i
2592. (^Lp-'iSp^ ah-ffifrth ^(^^Sp^ ^BSir^esrunrth^
Living on gruel and sitting on k throne.
2593. (^t^<iSp 6p® eQi^ALfiDn- p
Will the family of a drunkard prosper I
2594. (^i^^^csTQiLfT ^^ssytr^^esfQtnfT erjs/ Quffi^?
Whether is greater, the government of a family or of a state ?
Wishing to elevate his family he married a Pidari-ri//a^« goddess*
2596. (59-/i^6w0i£)5Jr^ U6ssTe9^^ei> /sekGnLbiLith €U(i^uk ^eninfLjiM
If one becomes a householdier, h!^ must expect both good and evil.
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. • 2i5
2597. Qif^Quiresr e^zl^Gcu eupL-Q mmii ^^ir^fl^QufCo,
As a lean dog watched a deserted house*
398. (^i^ub^Lo ^t^uL^^ ^(5">,
The madness of a drunkard may be cured by beating.
2599, (^l^lU^Lb QeUJlSiU^LO «F/f?.
A drunkard and a mad man are alike.
2600. (^i^turr^ effQ eQif-iurr^,
The family of a drunkard is always benighted.
2601, ^if-u9p QugSst euijS^ erSi/5fr&) Q^irtf-uSp G^Sso iS&sr^ (srJll
If the bowels of the house- wife bum, her cloth bagging on ihe line
will burn also.
He is the only wealthy man in a deserted village.
2603. (^i^!i9p i9pi6^ (^jnBi(^ .^lLl-ld ^(Bi^<5^,
^ Bom in a good family, and playing the monkey.
2604, (9)i^u9p i9p/B^ Q<9=if^a9eo 6Q(ip/6^fr(sir^
Bom in a good family and j^Ung into a bush.
2605. (5^ €tfy6u<s^^ QsiressTL^irQiUfr QsirerrsS euyeu^^i Qmrreifr
• ' • • .
Have yon taken a family to dwell with you ? Or have you taken
firebrands? ...
2606. @^ ezoa/^^ effiLtf-p Qsrr&r&fl s!DSud<3S€\)frLDfr ?
Is it proper to burn down a house aftet admitting a family ?
2607, (j^L.tf.A Qe^L^iiQQeo fft^iu L/@/5^^(?u/rff0.
As a wolf entered a fold of lambs.
He who bre^ diyisioQs in a family shall be cuffed to deaihi
L
l2609. (^iLtf-i sjr-GssTLb QufTL-L^fT^w QeoiTum QafTt—tr&ir,
The miser will give nothing though you tumble heels overhead,
^2610. QLLif-^ e-reufiCoev Coheir QstriLL,, &lL®^ ^jStiSQeo 0*;}
^(BiLir ?
If a scorpion sting in a ruinous dwarf wall, will the glandute
swellicg appear in the stall I
12611. (^tlz^^F ^6uifj(os\) Q^etr Q^irL.i^^ flessrosSir iSt^freSQso OibjS
Does the sting of a 8Cor{)ion in a nlinous w'all, produce a glandular
swelling in a water-pot !
^26 12- (9^lLu^'S= ^eu(SS)fr QptLL- QeucifrQerrn^jifiir p
la he so disQ^sighted as to stumble against a ruinous wall f
>2613. (5^-^ QuttiLu. f^dsifrQufrsv ^dso^Q^ek^
He wanders about Hke a cat that has kittened.
'^2614. (9)LLif-esr (^lL(Siu^ (^ekfri^/b uituj/bjs fieisussiSrQF^u^ eufi^mir ? \
Can a cuff already inflicted 'lind wa^r that has run into a pit be
recalled t
Though it become fat, the flesh of a kid is always clammy-
v2616. (5^^^ (^Sso^^ mirujCSuifiev eneniSlp^Quireo,
Like pups barking and creating a quan*el among dogs.
-2617* qlL^ isniuQ^ireisr® QeuiLe^L^ ^tf^&sr^Quireo,
(Like hunting widi pu]>s.
^2618. (5il® mir&srtii fiuiSi (y^^euQ^Qu. CSu9^eo, «Fil«5)^"/"»j
u&kfT^)^, ^iLt/f-tLfu^ Q^fTt^freir, i
lf>yon speak familiarly with a potter, he will not respect you, nor'
'Will he supply you with chatties.
>2%I9. (gR»r^«o^ mirjbpd (^q^ ^evSso.
No,guroo-(r religioue feacfter^oan change a man's temperament.
J
T^ASiiX FBOVfiltBS. 247
A JGrdi^ aai6ng tbe^biodiui is rieigftrded'tui a!itpii4tnd parent fiH)in
'whom the youth re«olv6& iha initiatory fHiantra, or p.i?^,6r, and who
cbnducti the ceremodioa t««eo88*ry iit variiiias seasons of infaucy and
ydQth/ii[i to tk^ period of infestittreVith tUe saored ^hi^ead or string :
this person nday be tbe naiorU (vuoQiA or the r«i!ijgi9tk8 preceptor.
^faeVord Gnrttis also ufl^ for a titecher or prebeptor generally.
2620. <2)6Mr^^;D(5 jtfopSp/Sfr, i9essrji^p(^ ^Q£>8'/B:/Sir ?
la the weepisg on aecount of ike virttte.'of Hkeid'eeaiMM or does it 're^
late to his corpse f
^ppeuAr,
A good-riatiil'ed irian fits aln e^ngaging exterior, *an ill»iiaihired triaa
has a refmlsiVe aspect..
Bis suflbring is dae partly to his fttint-liearted'ness, -a^d partly to a
dis^a£le«
-r^— "-••■
Though he makes somersatilts to ail he sets, he has nt) food to eat.
2624, (^€ssrt^ ^fnui^irs\> ^^eayfrtLjih ^Da/iCdR/rei}. ^©ar^ii.
If starved even a horse will^ eat sti^w.
2625. (^cmn^ erfi^l^ Q^^&srp QdiresS^^u^ '^GSiU> effu.i^p Quit
"No ilnatter ht)w the body rtiay be bent if the burden be darried home.
2626. (yjeikrif. ^^is'^' uq^m^Quir^.
•Like a kite vrithra broken tail.
2627. (g«Sr®'<F ^iLtp,uS(o6\) (^Qmir ^L.®S(^m^
•He displays his faorfteBofanship in an earthen p6t.
2628. (gettrS utl®4F ^frsfr'fieu&o' eueidSl ^t^^j^^ Q^^^fr^u^.
It is sriid tbat hfe who sttrvived a gtinshbt wound, died of the bite
of an inject.
248 utfiQiafTifi.
2629. @6wr®«F ^iLif^vSp sjrasrih (Suiri^eoirwtr ?
Can one turn a somersault in an earthen pot ?
2630. (aj^wrOu Qu0^a=/reifl(LfUy €^iifr(SQuir€\^,
The baiidycoote is also like a beetle.
A slanderer and a snake of deadly poison have each two tongues.
As kine increase, a household increases.
2633. (5j9 (5^ (srGsruirirmefT (sreoeoiTQ^in^ ^h^u.<i (^^uufrir ^^3so.
They will all say leap, leap into ths pyre, but there is none ^villiag^
to leap with me.
■Ill > 1 1 II. 11 .. ■■
2634. @P/i^« O^/i^ ">^ §ji^^^[r^io HQ£iesi^i(^ gj^jj
Though she may leap joyously and pound the grain, the slave woman
gets but one cake.
2633. (5^«SD/r (^(^i^ir^^ui Q^ir&T(&^ji ^mQp^p (^&f)p<^^&a
Though blind, the horse does not eat the less grain.
' ■ ■ ■ — »— — ^«— >
When you have bought the horse, is there any ocoaaion for dispute-
ing about its bit ?
Was it not because the Creator knew the nature of the horse that
he did not provide him with hom& T
2638. (^^^ir Q^<i^^0^€;oirukp QiFemiD arUuM Qea^ ^u9p^.
Besides the death of the horse there is the saddle also to be carried^
»*»••
The horse aud the dog like a change of pUce.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 24»
2G40. (gPfiD/r ^p ^^QeS^u.ih ^(^i/ST/b (^eifnf^uS&r Sifi euijp ^swtp
If it be your good fortune to ride, will not your horse come and
place itself under your seat I
2641. (g^62o/r me^GO^^fr&sr ^l^ Q^lLl^^^
It is certainly a good horse, but its circular marks are bad.
The circlets of hair on a horse are generally observQd by dealers
and owneis very carefully.
2642. Q^65)/r (sj-^ (sreirssr^ . Q^iirem^ Q^sirthui sm^ ^^esr^ effes^iras
What if you do ride a horse, and have a horn blown before you ?
There is a great distance between the worthless and reputation .
It is said that the horse has not only thrown its rider, but is dig-
ging his grave.
Besides losing the horse, have I to pay three fana^ns to bury him ?
The horse is ten miles before yow, and the old woman is ten miles
behind yow,
^646, (^^esyfT i3Lp^<i<sB&= e'UhUbiLi^ ^if.i^ 3h.ui9iLi-.i (^ir^i^
You will attend to my horse, ply the sledge hammer and answer my
calls.
2647, (^^&Dir ^(T^ULj ^fiSlLfW Qs{T6SSTL^ QuesSTU-lTtLl^ (^eSSTLD ^/jS
eun&T^ ,
The horse knows his rider, and a wife her husband.
Though pounded and boiled it is samba-SK^6rior rice-though cast
on the rubbish heap it is gold.
1
^/■7
250 'uifi'(Slbtr^^
2619. Q,i^uuiL(S^u Qu'ir^^fiiT^ui ^snpwttSj)! Qufrjiii;^h
A cuff may be borne, can hunger T
26)0. (^i^ ^(3^JP Q&frQrfeo (^mjpi iLfr(St^ui..
If you eat properly seated you may consume a heap of ric>5.
2651. (^^uireiiT uL^i^etssr/i^^th eBp(^ ^w^Spsu&tr slcsot®,
K Yen in the city of Kitberan there were finewood'^carriers.
_ •
Though the city of Kubferam be despoiled, will the unfortunate
obtain even the handle of a wooden spoon ?
Thoiigh they may prostrate themselves- and peiform penance, reli-
gioics teachers do not attain heaven.
2654. C^LJL-IP 6B(Lgif5^iD iS&Si^vBQeO tUSSST /JL-6fl<JoJ5sO er^Q(sfs&,
Though he fell flat on his face, he says that his mustache did not
touch the ground.
2655. (fjU^^uSeo (TpSsw/i^ Sss^ir auuej^^(^i ssfreofr:^iLir ?
Will a plant gi-own on a dunghill answer for the mast of a ship ?
2656. Que^yuuSs)) QpSsfr^^ Q^irtf^ &fi^«iDiru9io ^jSesr^Qutrw.
As a creeper springing on a dunghill climbed on a roof.
2657. (^s^uS&sTfSu uu9ir eQSsfnunr^,
Without manure the growing gmin will not yield a good crop.
2658» r^jUSf)Uu9p @u-.fb^fT^iJb (^^fSwGsS (^eSsrjSa^ca/H^T&i'^
Though it lies on the dunghill the kuDrimani-a&ru^ j!>recat(^itt«-re>
mains unchanged. j
26;'9. (f)ijesiuu9p Lf€S)^^^fr^LD (^mtStJbesS fSpLO Quir^rr^,
Though the kunr'maui be buried in the dunghill its colour will «<*
change.
J
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 251
I
2660' (^u&au ^iuir/s/5jp QmiTLfffib /HTLpm^^,
The rubbish heap has risen, the tower has sunk.
How is it that the rubbish hei^ has ri^en, and the tower sunk !
2« (mussiuu^LD Q<3SfriS(LiihQufTsvi (^Q^eifih &s]^£pju>.
The teacher and hi^ disciple are like the dunghill and the fowl.
2663. (^LDifi gp(5 i9&rdstr (SsfTi^ gj0 Qeu&rr^,
A woman is young till she be^rs a childi and cloth is new till it i$
washed.
2664. (^tDifi ^sSeuL^Quj Quir^^u^ Q^inLu.fr<sQ ^^eut^Qaj Qut
Though a young woman may go on her way alone, yawning is
never alone.
When young, a woman is full of hilarity, when old her portion is
vexation.
Neither lend nor borrow beseechingly.
When I went to worship the temple fell.
2668. (^ihi^L^u (Suiresr Q^tueuui g^«C?« euifB^Quireo^
As the deity one went to worship came to meet one cross wise.
2669, (ajiiiSLlt-L O^tueuth gjcuO^jL/aiti,
The deity I worship is my hereditary deity.
f 2670. ^litSOm aetrmir (5«o£p/5^®ii ^errcr/r.
Obsequious rogues^ deceitful friends.
L
•
252 ifiQuifrifi.
2671. (^ujeu^i^u u<5U m/rdstr Qeu^^ jSi^ ^cf^sirjr^i<i(^ gj^ /fitfla^
That which cost the potter many days labour, is but the labour of a
moment to the breaker.
2672, (^lueu/r «a)<yib QssfressjQeufr, ^e^L^ojir uireo Qds/rQ eresf^^'^
(Sufr€\),
Like saying to the potter bring a vessel, and to the shepherd fill it
with milk.
2673. (^u9so &k.6Q<^i>Qufreo,
Like the warbling of the Indian cuckoo.
2674. (^u9p (^jT^Lb iLu9&) ^Lp(^ih(ouireo,
Like the voice of the Indian cuckoo, and the beauty of the peacock.
2675. (^JTikSek es)^u uLLfrSso.
A garland of flowers in the hand of a monkey.
2676. (&^jriiu^Qi(^u Lf^^QiF/reoeQ^ ^issssnki^cj^f^ ^h-essr(S ^tp^
^ The advice which the peodulous bird Loxia, gave to the monkey
ended in the destruction of its own nest*
2677. (^jr!Ej(^^(^ii!i ^^(^iLi^ Qurr&sr(^iLi^,
Even to the monkey its own young is precious.
2678. @/r/E7(gL/ LfeStST ^(2PJJ/.
A sore on a monkey never heal?«.
2679. (^Jrii^^Lj LjGssr i9jnDfr6osrL-.LD.
A sore of the monkey is enormously large.
2680. (^jriEa(^u iSessrQpLb (^pu t96ssrQpLL asifTL-euir ^svSso.
No one ever saw . the dead' body of a monkey, or the corpse of a
kuravan-« mountainen\
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 253
2681. (^iriEi(^ fB^sr (^L-i^tt9&fr eif>senfuiQsfr€m(Sl u^ld uiririSp^
fie tests it bi/ another as a monkey tests an object by the hand of
its young.
2682. (5ir/B/(gL/ i9ia.Qufreo i9if,<ia(S6U6iifr(Sih,
Lay hold of a thing asfirmlg as a monkey.
2683. ^irtEiSi&ir iSffsytu LbQ^/i^<i(^<i QmiLi^ire^ QmiruLj SSsrr <9Ts\)
If a monkey be asked for his droppings for medicinal purposes, he
will leap from branch to branch^
• 2684.' (^jrmi(^ €re\)svmh ^q^ qp^ld.
All monkeys have faces alike.
2685. (2)ir/»(5 c^(g)JJ2fti) (^e)^^s\) QasfrefrerrQeuemQtli.
Though she be a mere monkey, one should take a wife in ones own
tribe.
2686. (gir/E/(g ^(3p^ QsfrtJctLj s_«wri_/r p
Is there a branch the monkey has not climbed !
2687. (gir/E7(5 eTeoe\)/ru> an.iLi—Lb muLLi^iLniX ®®^®"*.
All monkeys go ahout in troops.
2688. (^jrmiS&sr etn^iuSeo Qa/r&r&f) ^^uulLl^ «5b«3>^.
The story of a firebrand in the hand of a monkey*
2689. (5(5 ^e^eoirfi 9(s^ek s^ethrL^rr ?
Is there a disciple without a Qurn-teacher I
^-^
There is no art without a teacher, and no profit without capital.
6691. (5(5 CTOT euisfiir&sr ^q^ cezo/r ^/s^freir.
. 4
-- - f
He came as a Guru 5 he gave sacred instruction.
254 ULfiQinfT^fi.
2692. @(5««€^ i9mifi^jSffi u>jpii9puL{.
The escape of the religious teacher was aa it weu a second birth
2693. (<5(5L_6ir ^miQeo ^eairmc^ ^suutLL^j^Qufreo,
As an eel was caught in the hand of a blind mant
2694'. (5C5^JSP/*(25/ (oeu&krif-ojjfi Q^nio,
The need of a blind man is a staff.
2695. (5(5i-^«(5 Qeuskitf-oj^ sessr.
What the blind want is eye-sight.
2696. (5(5^50/^(5^ (^(jF^L^m Qsire^ i9if^a^€VfrLDir ?
Can the blind lead the blind with a staff?
2697. (5(5«-6ir ^Q. (oLdiu^JB 6?'<1l-t^6B(2 QeuSsotUfT ?
Isat'avwork for ^ght men to help a blind^man to feed sheep I
2698. (^(Tji-eir Bh-ij^u unik^u Qutr^io uuj&r erGsresr ?
What advantage will the blind man gain by attending .a.comedy!
2699. ^(f^L^^if^u LJfrio^Osfri(^u Qurrmp^,
To tlH^ blind milk was like a heron^
•••^■^iP^'W'^^^ V
2700. (g(5^6ir OumTU-mtLif. 3h.esrQ^(Sl s^fosu/rifL^)^,
The, wifeof a blixid rmm. bacamei ultimate with a httnch*bdiQkQd tnan*
2701. (^Q^L^^ QuGsatt^GnO' ^ti^^^frpQuir<so^
As if a blind m^ beat hiS' wifoi
2702* (^(^i-,Ssin^u un[/T;i^:^fffr^.€BL^ eQ^i^^' Q^ ^(^^
If requested tp assuipie thei lo^^ of. a kijig, can a blind men do so i
2703. (^(^i^Sssr (SfB/riLi^th ufrnr^ssdF .Q^fr(^^jbQuir€0^ ,
Aji if a bliQd man was asked io assay .mejtsate*
2704. (5(5^69r «o«« (J^/rSsuu i9®/Ei®68r^0u/r«o^ ^
Like snatching, awity the staff of th^ bliiid..
TAMIL HIOVERM. 255
2j^8' (<50L_£8/«(a5 (5(25i-«Br-«uy9 ^trCif^^so ^;,75^C5"^ (^ijliul^^-i
If the blirn} lend^th^ ))lm4,^bQth.wilLfall intOitlie pit.
As the work.of eight persons wfts stopped by .reason of.a,, blin.d;
womaDt^gping to fetch water.
2J07, (50®m Q^sBQuD^i^^^Lj umr^^^Quirso^
As the blind and the deaf attended:^ comedy.
t The exovise o(.,a blind hpr^e whs hi3 stumbling/
2J09, (^(T^tL®Lj i^Ssvr eQtl^i^^^p uiT\uih/$^Qu!r<s\),
As a blind vcat-^eapad on^ t^e cross, beam.
2U0, (^^tlOiiO^/riS^g esaiTd^etrQib ^iriLS.
T)ie viljiftge t^n]^ is ih^ ^witness, of the blind crane.
As a .blipd fqwl was pver-anxious to feed on bran.
Why adorn bKttd eyes with colly rium ?
2713, (25(5.0 ii)/rz^ ;(?<»«r/r/5a/,^ii ^fnu eufrir^^jn^ck^^ ^L^tB^ir^eu
He,wbQ will not bear iha woods QtMsQ^m-^li^iouiteachr'mi he
wbci^dii^bejrs his n^plh^r, arp;wprthl^p.
fi^ who forgets .the wprds lof, W? 13.liru willibrfeit. jbhet divinei yamr
a|id. perish,.
CaniapiJtoyra fruit be suspended fr^wKi thp nepkiof a small bird ? (
Is not, thp wftapon of ^i^t.^uited to tbe« Iwd f
^56 U\fiQ IhIT L^^
2717. (5(i56fl<i(g^ ^«<« jrfrQtii6?irth,
P Ram^swaram suited to the bird.
This is I think a perversion of the foregoing proterb. An aged o
feeble person may say, my Rameswaram, pilgrimnge, efforts, musib
moderate.
2718. (^0eBi^^^ ^«6B urrjniy,
A burden suited to the bird.
2719* f<5(]56i9« <a^LL02OL_<i Q^rreofrp sSsoi^frQ^.
Never disturb the nest of a bird with a stick.
2720. (5(5®/*® ^^5^^^ ^€j^^F
Is there a disciple who is above hi» Guru t.
2721. (5(5®/<i^ iBirwLb (^mLp^^uQuirQeaff&r^
He will deceivQ his own Guru*
2722. (5(5®/**®^ ^Qjrtr&w Q^ij^fr^Cb (^i^^i(^^ ^Qiif^^
Though a Guru may be deceived, the stomach cannot.
2723. (5(5 (oeue^ih QsiTessTL^eu^ €reoe\)rrui (^(m Meu/r^ ?
Are all religious teachers who have assumed the garb ?
2724. (J^ev^^^d Q^Q^jS Qairt-.ireQi'SfrLOLi,
The handle of an axe that destroyed its own epecies,
The tree from which its handle waa taken, was felled by the axe.
2725. (ge\)^(ss)^i Q^Qi^mrrih (mjrisi(m.
It is said that a monkey will destroy its own species.
■ ■till II 1
2726. (56Vii)SLl(g «^4P(g ^eisr Qa/ropfsSssru Ou^n.^^)-.
It becomes a lawful wife to honour her husband.
2727* ^cutD^eJr (^ev^^i^ ^q^eufrtsir^Q^amfliu^ Qfi^S^^ "^(5'
m
The high-bom mourns th^ loss of caste, and the man who has 1<
his nose, his nose. '.•■■'■''■
A
TAMIL PBOTESBS. 257
2728. (^soQpih ^Arjpi (^joSiLiih ^^jpi.
fiirth and external sign are at variance.
Though he has entered another tribe he is still in want.
2730, (geuii (^eo^QflirQi^ Qeu&reirth ^pQ(ffQL^,
Tribe goes with tribe^ the flood with the river.
2731. (^eoLb (^eo^Q^irQu^ Qeu&rerr/rQ ^gstQ^Qu.,
A tribe associates with its own tribe, and goats follow their own
kind.
High birth lies on the donghill, while wealth is at the festive board.
Arts appropriate to a family are partly intaitive and partly uc-
qnired.
A barking dog do^s not bite.
like throwing a bone to a bailing dog.
■ 111. I
2736. (jSso^S/D iBirii QemLesyL. i9(f^i(^Lbfr ? •
Will a barking dog avail in hunting T
«<37. (^SsoiSp fBiruS&sr 6Uiru9(oe\) (?«/rS50<i Qsff-Q^^ire\) ^mfr (anki a^tn'
If a staff be ptit into the mouth of a noisy dog) it will carry it
through the village barking.
m38. (^Sbouj/r^ /5/ruj (^^iisrrSso^ <sEZ^<S(^£i)^
A silent dog wiU bite the heels.
Infants and temple servants do not suffer from hunger.
17
L
558 ijifiQwrri^.
2740'-. (^ipfB€if}^i(^th iBfTUJ^^ii^ (^t^(Surr^3^ ^ibQ^rr^fiLti^
Children and; dogis are pleased witli a change of place.
2741. (^LpiB(ssifBiLjLD 0^tueu(^ih Qmtr^L^wi^&sr ^l^^^Q^,
Ghildten and gods best agree with their admirers.
2742.. (gtp/5e»)^« mwdj^^^w (^€6srL-&S miT\u<3'eF^ih Qutr^eviT^.
The fever of children land the spite of a slanderer stre bad.
Thfe slfeep of a child is advantageous to the mother.
3,744. (^ifiiBes)^u9m' Q^sllQutgo,
Tender, as the body of an. infant.
My child, do. not sink into the pit.
B^.the stormy weather set the whole sea iiimotion^!
I
0 my youthful son^ is your throat pained by dttnking thick milkl
2748i (^ifiuB/b uii9(ss>fr erQ^^m eh^issiirQu^so ^u^^awft ?-
Is it right to» train a. parasite to the roof f
iidiiikrf_i.
2749; (^ifiuSp i9 err SsYT (535 ttJ mS ^ftp^Si^uQuirQeo^
Like ajiackal going round the grave of a child.
I^ it proper to agitate the tank to supply: prey for IptesJ
2751. (gerr^^i^g inemip (^fB^fnessOajfr?
Are' rain, drops the weight of a mortar to* a tank ?'
2752. cs^^^'P^^'^^^^^^^'P/^^ ^^'■^^^^^ '^
Having put it into the tank, do youiseek it in, the weltr
J
TAMIL PROYEBBS. ^gft
2753. (^9irfl(S^ir® Qmin9^^i ^ireo mQgeair^eamQuirio,
Like the man who would not wash his feet in the tank because he
was angiy with it.
2754. (^enu utf. ISSr ^es>p^^!r^Lo dsi^p uetreirua iSiru^LjLLfr ?
Will the hollow, of the sea be filled by draining a tank down to the
lowest step !
2755. (^etrtb ^^eif>u.i^ (oUir(^ih(Sufr^ Q^GSipefffiu^ir ?
When a tank bursts, do they dispute about turns T
2756. @6Wii) sfriSpeuGfT ^essr&silrGmrA ^tf.ujir(S^ ?
Will not he who watches the tank drink ?
2757. (gsTfTzi eupfSiLjib Qp^peff^ih n^essri^n- ?
Why dispute about your turn for drawing w^ter seeing that the«
tank is dried up !
2758. (gewzi QeutL(Bl(ip^Q<Qsr (ip^2iso @^ ^0«(giii/r .^
Before the tank is dug will the alligator go to dwell therein ?
2759. (geirsQ^ &h.iLefDt^^ Qsireixrco (^Sso^^frpQuireo,
Like poking a wasp's nest with a stick.
2760. (^erreQi ^i1xjl(?6\) «gi»^ eQiLQ sr/SSipfln' ?
What ! throw a stone at a wasp's nest T
A green caterpillar is the offspring of a wasp.
2762. ^erreQ Li(jt£^es)euji ^m iBpiia ^^(^eii^Quireo^^
Like a wasp chacging worms to its own colour.
2763. ^eifHsLj(SuTdjd= Q^p(S9)pu LiS^Q^fremL^^Qun'e\)^
As one smeared himself with mud dfter bathingj
Pretending to be an extinguished firebrand, is it proper to.destr^ j
thehou3el
2765. (^ea&Tu UfrtruufTssr uenerr^^ev eQac/k^ireSfr ^em(B cr® ^if.
67®.
The dwarf Brahman has fallen into a pit, take a staff, take a
stick.
276^. @6rr 6>r25W« Qsfr&RfrQ ^ifiu^ urrir^Snr^^,
He sounds the depth by means of a dwarf,
un&r,
A dwarf will destroy a family; his wife will destroy the whole
village.
2768. (^p^^ i9efrSoir Qui>Qrf>6V (^ptsuesr miriuih ^ssruir^.
If the wife of a mountaineer is brought to bed, her husband takes
the prescribed stimulant.
Disputes among mountaineers and shepherds are not easily settlei
2770. (^P ^Lp«(g«(gcF i^iSoQ 6ULfi<i(^ ^Q<S03i-, ,
Disputes atnong chakliyars are more easily settled than those
among mountaineets.
2771. (^^GsSu L}iT€\) ^ptb^Quir^^LD^ ^h^es^T i9QmjdBLJ ufrir^^((^^^
May one suffer his cow to destroy his roof although the yields a
kuruni of milk at a meal ?
Though a kuruni of collyrium be applied to the eyes of the blind,
the blindness remains.
2773. 'i^j;iJLbi9tLjGtrerr ^(t^ ^csrsij ^eir^to,
A ceruminous ear will itch.
1774, (5^ti«Du^ ^GStrd^Lb (^i^^iriBiQ^
Th<d supporter who puts an end to inhuman acfo
J
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 261
2775. (^^p «iy/D<s mppeii&sr (Ss/rtf.u9e\) ^Q^sueir^
A thoroaghly learned man is one of a lae.
2/76. (g«D^ (^L-ii ^etrthLfLb /8€6>p ^L_ii) fieiriiiUfrjp^
A water pot not full is agitated, a full pot is not.
2777. (^95ypiu^ Q^fTSVeQ iS^vipiu j^eir.
Give more than you profess to sell.
2778. (^esipiLfefr(oetnnrdS(^ e^onr® ^(n^ei\^so xeinpin<saQ&rn'lri(^ s--
The guilty are dejected^ those that have a tarnished reputation
elude observation.
An unfinished work ought not to be shown even to a QnrvL'-master,
Is it proper to expose an unfinished work /or sale or oiherwiae I
J 2781. (^ppQpeffetr Q/s^^ (54^(5 J^ grgirjy/iL (^j^ihiSltLidiretr sfrj^
A guilty conscience is agitated, a foul ear itches.
!
2782. (^pptJD ines)pLJu^€\) LopQ(nfj>nR (mppnpLD QiBnjRih^
By concealing one fault another may arise.
■ "2783. (^pp iL€sr^^nrtLS 3h^t^ eufrtp ^^^q^.
A guilty conscience is an enemy that lives with its possessor.
2784. ^ppu> ji/6S)u.fSjS Sir^^ (^essTmOsiretreu^ jy/fl^,
*
Distinction attained by wrong makes reformation difficult*
Undeserved punishment is better than deserved punishment.
L
2B2 utfiQin/TL^.
2786. (^ppi^ umriSp ar/bpih ^so2so.
If every fault be noticed, all intercourse must cease.
2787. (gcir^tfierofltf^tb (^essrt^t^p s^ulj^
Even a kunrimaui seed-a&ru8 preca^rhJba-haM a black spot on it>
<9nu«
2788.- «a.63)«<i(5.U tJ«S560€V «6Wr Q^StUIT^^
An owl cannot see in the day-time.
2789. <9&.«D<aj eSi^^flfrp(hjireo eOifiiS(7tf>^.
He stares like an owl.
Whilst residing with one shall we thrust a firebrand into his house!
AltJlough you may give an outer room, it is not proper to give an
inner one.
27'92- ah.i-.Lb ^mjDi Qufr(B(LpmQ(ssry 3r^^ ^jrssst® QuitQld,
Before the big hammer strikes one, the little hammer strikes two-
2793. eh.L-th ^t^^^rreo LD/rz__£i,
If the party-wall be broken down, one room only will remain.
*
Gruel served in the house of a united family is enjoyable.
As food prepared for a journey was untied in a crowd.
2796. ek.iLQL^ir(St-. QufT^ar^ (^eS^q^ib afrdjJ^^.£fi!th,
Shivering and fever left with the body.
J
TAMIL PROVEEBS. 263
2795. 5fe.6wrz^v?6t) (^^esdi 0/seo ^(t^k^treo (y>^i£iQeo Qpm(^jpiesS^
When there is a kuruni of paddy in the bin, three kunmies of gods
will be dancing in a corner^
■ ■■■ i^—- ^>'
2798« «L^^/fl© (^^^Sp 6ff*C.tf^€\) &Jtr\ui(^ j^B^^cs ^ifi ^^^^.
In the house where rice is pounded for 8ale> there m not enough to
put into the moutL of a corpse.
Before a corpse is removed the females of tiie family place a little
I raw rice near the mouth, the m^es do the safxie in the cemetry
I before the body is laid on the pyre,
I 2799. ^^^iriL®^ ©6ViiLJti L/69)i_Oa«l.®«(g ^(mmtf f
Will the art of fencing avail in a battle-£[d.d ?
A rope-dancer directs hi& eyo^ downwards, one who bears a burden
upwards.
i 2801, aKiu^P<i(5 @LL(8«i (5^/5/(5 «g^@^ CSeuSs(^ ^lIQ eff/D(g
By wasting his substance, on concubiiies he Has beoo^ spare as a
monkey, and by giving to common women he haabeoome as dry
as a stick.
2802. ^K»-^^u iSeJrSsrrii/g^ ^6^uuesr ^ir ?
Who is the legal father of the child of a concubine T
2803. ^-/S^iurriT M^^ffeifi: Q&'^^freo Q^frtL(Slih Qpipi(^LD j^^^iufrir
When the mother of one's concubine dies, there will be beating of
drums, but when the concubine dies, there will be no such display.
2804. ^h-^^iuirrr Q^^^irsa iSemihy ^sueir ^aiL Q<3F^<asfr^ Loeasrii,
When a concubine dies she is a mere corpse, whereas if her mother
dies, her remains are honoured.
By honouring the remains of her mother it is supposed ih%t a man
secures greater respect from his concubine.
264 utfiQiDfTifi. ^
2805. m-^^iutrir effiLQi^ iBiriuQuirio ^SeoQ(n^dr,
He frequents his concubine's house as a dog wandering about.
2806. ^h-^^u ufrnrisu (Suiresr ^l^^^so Qudj t9if^^js^Quir<so,
As one was seized by a demon when he went to see a comedy.
2807. ^!^Suj QiFireoev/r^ ^iB^ld a/cu€v«r.
He whose words are keen, is of all the most powerful.
2808- iKt.0«g er^ir s-.eiD^^^€\) (^^J^ifi cuQ^^^ih,
Kicking against thorns will cause pain.
2809. '3h-(snfr (qTfil^ Qds/TySl i9tf.isuiiriLL^7r^ (^(mi^&r eu/rssTLo Sp
If a guru is not able to go to the house-top to catch a, fowl, how
can he rend the heavens and show vikundam to his di8€vpU \
2810« ^fueiDirQuhQeo Q^ir^ CoUfrL^L-frso ^tt9jrih sirsin euQ^ih,
If rice is thrown on the roof, a thousand crows will come.
28L1, sh^ir&DLtiiufrGtrQesr QisireinLLiuireirGsr,
The acute man is the upright man.
If the hire be diminished, the work will be spoiled.
2813. i3ri.6Q (^enp^^irCSuj (g«»/D iD^«4/rcu ^tLt^irCSiu^
Thou hast reduced my wages, and used false measures when pay-
ing me.
I III
2814. 3hlsQi6iirjreisr QuemL^frHif. i9&T2etr QupuQu^SiQyeinru^ (j^^
effiuvQQeo ^Lbesi^i(^ Qp^eaisu QutrSpfltni},
It is said that the wife of a labourer is about to be confined, and that
a castor plant will spring upon the midden.
2815. ^n.eSii(m fsfr/bjp/ /5l_ eu/s^eu^asf^ creoSsoi(^ euipiQ&fT ?
Does he who came on hire to transplant grain institute a boundary
suit ?
J
TAMIL PROVEItBS. 265
2816. ^».6Si{7^LJ utreQ (^j^^Qs eu/ififrCoesr,
A vicious fellow prevented the payment of my wages*
2817. 3k.eQ<i(^i ^(Lp (^^eurrn^setrrr ?
Will they hire themselves to be impaled ?
2818. ^eQu uesiU. QeuiLQiurr ?
Will mere hirelings conquer T
Whether gruel or refuse, he who has drunk it will live.
20. «L(i^«(^ mnrii^/nu Q^iTp(^inir ?
Will an unripe mango fail before gruel ?
2821. ^h.(Lpir^ u^/TB^iS/nu Qm/remL^fTiLL^ih (^jn5Jc^'i(^^ Q^w^eiili
Qsrreifn^frtLL^LD,
[ An unripe mango improves the gruel, the kernel of a cocoanut is a
^ feast to a monkey.
He wishes to drink the gruel, and he also wants a nice mustache*
S|>oken of things tDCoinpatible.
• _
«i,(7^«i(^« Q^rpt^fT iQerrdiiTuj,
A chilly terves as a whip to gruel.
It makes it pungent.
Ozi.
Though only gruel, it mast be drunk agreeably to one's circum-
stances.
2825. «i,zp sr&sTQif^LD (^i^^^ioum Ses^Lpuuit^ir^
If only gruel, he who drinks it will live.
2826. «9^/jP (^i^iQ^Lb jh.L.(Sl «gj«^^.
Fellowship is undesirable even in drinking grueL
2G6 utfiQunTL^,
2827. «BLtp L-i&fl^^O/S&irj^ui unrda^fTiu Li&Pi^^Q^ekjpjtii ^Gssririrm
Is it proper to say thoughtlessly that the gruel was sour, and then
again that it was the mango that was sour T
^ !■■■
2828. ^^-(ssrdssri OmfTsssr® ^j^uuif. LbfTiS siresSi(^u tBea^sfT Qup,
0, mother-in-law, indte a quarrel through the hunchbacked that an
heir may be born.
2829. ^fussresr (^<sinp ^fri^ir&fr Qmiruf-QiUfr&sr eBdssr Qu\uirfBfi!TGS(,
The hunchbacked is relieved, the cruel man has escaped.
Although her back is crooked, she will have to, cany the basket
before she gets her hire.
2831. «L«rf? eufTiUfr/b O^LLL^tr/bQufreo,
As she (Kaikesi) was demoralised Ijy listening to the words of
Kuni.
2832. G<s® 3ifrsv^^i(mi QsiLQi—rrlr Li^^Qf)aji Q^iLuirir^
They will listen to the advice of the wicked when their star is not
favourable.
2833. 0(«® gz^ QeFirp Qmenir^,
A decaying family will not listen to advice.
2 831* O^OidB fSS5ifr<iQ(S0 ^(SH<asi Q^asQ^p/LD.
When you mediate another's ruin, your own will soon follow.
2835. 0<5B®«iS,^Lb m(S06Q Q^(Bui^rrj^»
Learning can suffer no damage.
2836. 0«®LJL//rs3)/r^ G)^uJQ/£i Q<a®«(g£i.
The deity will destroy those that injure others.
J
TAMIL PEOVBRBS. 2G7
3837. Q^®uu^ib eutriutrio utp-ijuj^ih euiriuireo.
It is with the mouth we injure others; it is with the mouth we
read.
One is blind to his own. imprudence.
2839. Q^(Blin^i(^u u(S(^ifieinuj QeuiL®.
Make a pitfall for imprudence.
' 2840. Q&QwiTiu G«® SSssriurrQ^,
Thou wilt be ruined, think not of destroying another.
2841. 0«®Q//r6Jr C?«® iSSsfTUU/r&sr^
He who is on the way to ruin, will mediate another 8 ruin.
2842. 0«l1l- «/r<50^^«^ iBir^mfr Q^Bsflpssip 67®/5js/ eQQpiwSssrj^
Quirso,
As a crane in an evil time seized and swallowed a keUru fish.
2843» OdBLlL- rsfruji(^LJ uiLl^^ a3/P^,
The wretched dog feels satisfied with the beating he received.
2844* Q&lLl^ aar0<i@ ^l1® eufrir^eiD^^
A village doomed to ruin profits not by repeated precaution.
2845' 0«l1l- (?«LL®d5^ ei/iLL^ih mirpuGmLDn' ?
Is a premiimi of half a fanam demanded of one who is reduced
in circumstances !
2846. 0«tlL- uirio mi^so urreo ^(^mir ?
Will curdled milk become sweet again ?
2847. OsiLi^^ih utLt-^^LCi S€S)jr^(^ ^emp^^^to Quit^ld^
I have had enough of loss, sufferings and toil in watering the
vegetable garden.
2848. 0«£li_ (^zpL«(g g^0 ^^L^u i9efrSsfr.
A vicious child in a poor family.
268 uifiQuifrifi.
2849. G)<5l1/-. ^tf.i(^ 5^(5 (?«il65)L- i9pikfB^^
A child is bom under the star k^tai in a poor family.
2850* 0<5PLli_ S(t£^S)^i(^^ ^^L^Lj^^n
A vicious donkey has mischievous propensities.
2851. 0«^i_Qi«Jr (^i^ Q^LiL-.^ GutLif. fS(s^i-,ih ^€\)ei)frLD&) ojirki
The family is ruined, do not fail to get the interest without reduc-
tion.
2852. 0«Llz_a/6Jr (^/^l QsL^iLQih iS (^t^ LQetrf^^rrpe^p,
No matter whose family is ruined, you drink the pepper water.
28r3. G)«l1z_ (^ep^Coiu QssQth ulLl^ sfreSlQe^ u®u^,
Th« decaying family will be ruined. It will hit the leg whicliis
already struck.
2854. Q^lLl^ LbirCSi (o^iSopekiSsrih eriLQ inrrQ C?^t-.6Vyrii.
You may procure eight cows before you can recover one that lia«
strayed.
2855, Q^iIl^ tbtriria^^Q^ ^(3^®P ^(jF^eu&r LD^pGuirshriLjiM
He who pursues a vicious course will try to lead others into the
same.
2856. O^L-l^!TfTiir^ ^pQYflT Si2s(Tu3l ^Ui ^^^ ,
The impoverished have no friends even among their own kindreJ.
2857. O^tLi^irir 6Ufrip/6^rrs\) SSfffrS^tufruj^ fl&fliruurrir enjirifiisfl'^^
QsLLu.rre\) eu<5isypQiumL(Bii^Lb ^sstrir^
When the ruined in circumstances flourish they ca^t out innumer-
able branches ; when the prosperous are reduced to poverty they
are not worth a potsherd.
The boy suffered by walking in the arid tfact, he fell in the slippery
ground.
J
Ti.MIL PROVERBS. 269
2859. QsiLL^ir^th Q&^iLif. Q^iLif-CSiu SiSiiB^ir^Lb ulLQ ulLQl^,
Though reduced in circumstances a chetty ia a chatty ; silk ia silk
though never so torn.
2860. G)«LlzjL««/rir6Br ^(55(5 €TlL(SI /6ir(&^i(y^&r Q^fiiLfih^
The deception of the clever will be manifest in eight days. '
2861. O^iiLi^^^ifr IT ^i(^Lj uiuLb ^^Sso tLiLif-^/S(5sr€9}ji(m fBiuiJb
The clever fear nothing ; the fool gains nothing.
2862. QdiLLif-^diirrr^ QumL® ertLQ fstrea ^errekjih,
ft
The reputation of tht adroit lasts only eight days.
2863. QstLQih uiLi^emLb Q^fr,
Though you are ruined, cling to the city.
' 2864. Q^iLQuQunSp srrevth eui^trev ^ej^/-. l/^^Q Q^n-mQi^^rr ?
When the time of destruction comes., will not evil devices operate ?
2865. Q^L-QuQunesr ufnruuir^i(^6= Q^ji^QufrQp LJ<3t<ss)^ji
^f earth uesNGsSesr^Qufrei)^
Like giving a dying cow to a poor Brahman.
2866. 0«LL®«i 0<55LL®«i (^/^ ^8pi5fr?
Can a family survive repeated misfortunes f
2867. Q&csfretfii^esnuuQuniL® eujnrSso ^(ip^Spj^Qurrei^,
'Baiting with a small fish and catching a large one.
2868. Qsjrt^ mppeuGSf ^i—fS 6Q(L^m/af/r(Sd ^^eijih 6^(5 ar/fle2o<y (srohr
If the fencer fall, he will pretend he did so according to the rules of
his art
2869. 0<5569tL;OT Uirp QjFlTjrU eBcksTL-^QOifSd^
Ad the greedy saw milk and rice.
270 u ifiQ L^fr i^.
2870. (?«L-^ ^^ev/reir uirt^^ ^e\)e\)fr€Sfr.^
One free from loss, free from suflfering.
2871. C?<fl5® mireo^^i(^ ^® muuemp,
A bad time is followed by an alms-disli.
2872. G«® 0«il£_ fBfrQtu eff® eQilQu QurrQeu&sr.
You worthless dog quit my house.
iSleirQesr llgsS ^69)«f euQ^Cb np&stQssr^
Indigeace follows indiscretion, the elepheot makes its appearance
after the sound of its bells reaches the ear.
2874. (oSL-u.^ ere\)eofru:i mthuirCS^ isu^i^esr^ <sr<sveviTijb Qf^frsoevir^fl
Believe not all you hear^ teU not all you believe.
2875. G«l1/JLC7U S-J^Q 3h,L-®LD fi-S3)L«6!DIZ),
Fortitude under privations will tend to restore lost fortune*
2876. (o^L-Uirir Q^frev2so<i (SalL®& O^L^rrQ^,
Be not deceived by hearsay reports.
Thou the self-existent, thou art the powerful.
2878. C?«(g5Lii SSafT/iyti QsBL-Qi^nriri^^ ^<5vS50,
Friends and relations are denied to the ruined.
2879. (oSBm^dF Q<a=eQ\um stBLetDfrds Qe^Q^^tr&r.
He who acted on hearsay destroyed the village.
2880» (S<3SfffTeQ s,i^es)i£i Sir^^'^CoUJ <sa)e£?.
Instruction is wealth, and learning is fame..
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 271
2881. Q^&reQu (Su^Sso urr^jSfT&fr iSs=ijd,
But half of what one hears is true*
2882. (SmetreB Qpiuso.
Endeavour to obtain instruction.
69) 2*
2883. «)"fl5 ^nn^^LDiresreuGfr aemjrQiup u^iriLi^ir&sr.
The miser will not prosper.
Literally will oot '* get ashore." The marriage of a girl is phrased
iu the same waj.
Can one who has no hands turn a somersault, can one who has no
feet run about T
^ "t:
It is the learned that have hands*
2886. €5)« eM€^/6H ^jreaifnii QuirL^Q&sessrCSiu^.
One has to fix his hands (m the grownd before he makes a somer-
sault.
I ... '■' 7
2S87. ©o« sfnu^/srrp ^Qp(^ a/ruJigLo.
If the palm of the hand becomes callous hy drawing water, the areca
will bear.
1 2888. «»)««@ eriLt^esr^ eufnu3S(^ ctzIl-qS^Sso,
That which, reaches the hand does not aZtre;^^ reach^ the mouth*
2889. «f>««(2«^6w^iijg« ^frpLf^^uLD m(r\u3»(m^ ^SsouLjesifr^^iiih
Uke a oore on t^e leg of a. weaver, and one on the head of a d'og.
28^0. ®>« fiui9m a&kfTGRiJ(Seo uiLi^irp esiassiDiu^ fBpSi^^u (SufrQenfrir^
esetf'fr'?
If the hand by accident strike the eye, will they cut it off ?
L
272 uifiQuiir^.
2891. ^sis)eB ^ui9^p ajremLD,
If the hand missess its hold, a somersault.
2892. ®«« iSesypi^ Ou/rek ^evev/r eBtLL^ir^th «6wr iSesipikfi ^m
Though not possessed of a handfull of gold, one should have &
husband that fills the eye.
2893. es)^ uiLu.!red aeitr^if,.
Handling makes a thing shine da glass.
2894. evisuutp^e^^ss Oarr®^^^ ^piLtf-U utp^^i^ ^essr^i
^ ^puirQesfm ?
Why give the fruit in your hand and stand gazing at that whicli
can only be reached by a hook ?
2895. (SiDSBuQunrQ^err ^<$mG5fl€\) QLDiuuQutTQ^isiT «^a9.
Learning is better than riches.
2896. <ss)auOu!7(T^efr ^eaeoir euL^uQuiria&sr ^efreuir Qp&sf UL^cvirui^
The wayfaring man who has no money may encounter thieves tc/ft
impunity^
2897. et^^uOuir^etr j^p(frfe^ ^LL®sa(Lp^^tLiih ufrtfireir^
If destitute of wealth, even one's own married wife will not
regard him.
2898. e^^^LDOucmi—rriLtf- Qupp «/^65OT)L_.
The refuse that the widow has brought forth. {
He came to the buffalo of the widow to learn to milk. J
Is a heavy axe required for a work that may be easily effected by!
the hand ?
TAICIL PBOVEBBS* 273!^'
Why a wedge aad a mallet to split the edible root of the palmyra I
2902. €iasa9^iii ^€o2eo Q&'iLif.iuirjr etnuuQ^ih @«u&o <s/r»^
There is no money either in the hands or purse of the chetty*
3903. 69)<sa9j^£2) UMf.a9^ih ^soevfr^eudsuri setreu&fr er^esr Q^iuiu
^ What harm can a thief do to him who has nothing in hand or iii
his belt?
' 2904. Gj)ssu9(Sev iL^^&r ^^eo siriHiuih ub^^ir^Jr^,
If the hands are dipped in turmeric water, the undertaking will
prove successfuL
. 2)05. 69)<Stt9^ ^05^^ QfBiuu9(Seo eiDau9(Sl^fr(S€sr&ir p
When it (the stolen thing) is in the hand, why put the hand in (hot)
[ ghee ?
He who has nothing in hand is a thief.
^907, 69)<s5u96\> ^iftStLjih smessTL^eo^^eo fiessT&siSfq^Ui.
r Bice in the hand and water in the pot.
2908. sms'Beo er(Sli(^(Lp^csnh Q^ir^ Qu^ir^Qm^jpi ^fSajir^,
The fowl is not aware of its danger before it is caught
!909. 0tf>^u9ib Liessr^piS(s^i e^essr^)!^ (SeumrQuirr p
Is a mirror required for a sore in the hand ?
!9lO. GDSu9p upesisnesiiu sQiLQi dSfrLLQu up&neui^^i msssresS ss)6us
aeoiriLif p
Why let a bird in the hand go and snare one in the jungle T
2 have fallen into the sea with the child in my arms.
18
L.
274 utpQu^ir^^
2912. esi^Sp (^^L^tito ^sireQp Q^/rQih Qeaessr(Slio.
One must have an umbrella in the hand^ and shoes on the feet
May ene pour intothe cracked ground the nectar hehas in his hand?
2914. ^nmoSp sirs- euiriBeo Q^ires)^ -g}"^^ ?
WiUi the money in the hand become a cake in the mouth T
2915. 69>6Bi£/(i mGsitri(^Ui «F/f?. *
The woTU&if in ^ai^d is jast sufficient fbr ctirrent expenses.
2916v Gf>mGnfUU uirtr Qpm^esifBu utrk erGsrjy ^Q^/s^frp airlRiuin
H you say look at the hands and look at the face^ will the work be
accomplished ?
2917. «»4wffi2br <»^C?(gy6v,
Keg^eet not a woik in which you are skilful.
291&i Q^'irisiffLjufrirssif^a: SrearrAssQwfr QiBq^ui9p ^^uU(Tii(Q^
^euirdaQunr p.
Which. attains swerga^ the mere beaster, or the self-immolated?
2&19*. €)<flB/r«B(^ ^BWjB7(g(g5<fi^ii) (S<m!r^^ 0^ii(^L6 ^mt^^ g)6vSso.
No'One has seen a young crane, nor a stmight cocoanut tceei.
2920i 0«/r«(^«(^ ai6j«T£— flp dd^jTi en^euwf
Does the stork observe the rules of Linga- worship I
The strict Saivite is a rigid Tegetarian.
2921. 0^/r«i(5« 3a.iLL^^^so^ jrir^iTisSi eB(ipi^frp(o.Ufr€0^
A& i£ a: &Ibon. fell: amesgrherons*. .
As i£ a^bandyooote rushed, on; to pzey on ac sto:i^
Tamil proverbs. 27S
Does the crane know how to carry away a chicken P
2924. QsiriQssekj)f fSSsvr^^frQajfr Q^smnisst^ ?
0 devotee, did you mistake me for a stork !
2925. QsfriiS(oe\) (y^j^esafi eQpSp^, ^'^(S erekesr^^p^m*
Why remain here when grain sells cheap in the Kongu couutiy;.
2926. Q^ir^rSlGsr Qp^SQeo i9eireis)(su euik^^Quireo^
As a carbuncle appeared on the back of a mosquito.
2927. Qdsir3i-S(Se\) (m^esS uirso sp^s^sev/TLDfr ?
Can you draw from a mosquito a kuruni of milk T
2928. Qarr^SQeo i9eirensu j)f^(o60 iSjrL^ei], ^jptiSp^ erikQ^ juil^
A mosquito suffering from a carbuncle, has also]diabetes : where shall
We put in the Iaaoet> and how apply leeches ?
I 0 mosquito, mosquito, bathe your head ; I will not, it is Saturday..
2930. Q^rr3^es)mu QuirQ^iLL^/rdj ^essrestfl^ a^L^&fr erQirfi^irpQufrev^
As if a hawk assailed a mosqaito imagining it to be a rival.
What ! do you strain out a gnat and swallow a camel?
*932. Qs/r^siDds eut^uuirlr^ jy<g?S5)«uLy®a//r/f,
Those who strain out gnats are oiafuraM^ suspected.
»933. Qa^/r6=Si(mLj QuiresreuGfTt Q^.tuQsmuJU, ufrir,^fBfir, (aj^cwo/ eSpp-
earn Qa'\u^(S(5)\kiu uirnr*
See the result of his ha^ing^ gone to. Cochin,, and of one who be*
trayed his Guru..
What, is it a small, thing for a monkey to diink pepper watent
L
J76 ' iJifiOuiSi^.
Not one even of ten millions is unfaithful in a lijjtle thing.
2936. Q^fTif-dseir ^q^Sfr^sr u^jr^^Qcv ul^q^lo.
Creepers spread over the trees that grow near them.
Is its fruit burdensome to the creeper I
2938. 0^!Ti^ ^piBu Qu&k(r i9p/B^fre\^ Q^iT^^!r^^p(^ ^str^.
It is an evil omen to a tribe for a girl to be bom with her navel-
string round the body.
"*—*»•*■
2939. 0^ir®^Q(^&sr ULpio^iurrsmi^y ^&srQ((rfissr si^uu^sssTt^,
Palaniandi gives and Subbandndi eats.
2940. Q^fr®i<3s LDfTiLi^ir^eu&fr ^i^^^sifBu ULfi^^ir&sr.
He who was not disposed to contribute to the drama spoke dispar-
agingly of it.
2941. Q^fr®ssSpesyfliLiLO QsirQ^^i (^f^L^QirirSl aireQso e9(ipeuT
Whilst bestowing gifts why fall prostrate at the feet of a leper I
As a uiggardly shepherd pointed to a sheep that was with young.
2943. QsirQiEiQsfrso Lbmesrcsr .^(gjii isiriLuf-p sQihLjeQ^ euirQfU^
sir® (B^£)i,
A jungle inhabited by fierce tigers is better than a country ruled
by a cruel tyrant.
— — — •
It is not good to live under a tyrant king.
2945« Qsfr(Sl<ijses)^i CSsiLl^it^ jif(S^^ euQ^Lo l;€5)«.
If that which has been given be demanded hatred ensues.
TAMIL PBOVEBBS, J77
2946. Q^ir(Sl^^eu2ssru Lfsy^enirir Q^fn^fr/SeuSssr ^^/fieufrir^
They praise the liberal, but reproach the niggard.
The liberal are fathers, niggards are useless.
2948. Q^frQ^^ssy^ds Q65rr®i(^ih (^petflu iBsFirar,
The dwarf demon returns only that which had been given to it.
Jugglery is generally attributed by the common people to the
power of a dwarf demon which, retaining the materials entrusted ta
it, gives them one by one to the juggler as he may want them.
I 2949. 0«/r®^^o;(5«(g erevev/rii ^essr® Q^frL^ir^6U(^i(^ ^^Jr^m
The liberal have all things, the niggardly nothing.
i 2950. Qan-Q^^ Q^penjOdSfTcrr, Q'sfr&r&r (sr&sr^ ^^Jr<so^
Be liberal and friendly, avoid being called a talebearer.^
2951, Q*rrQuurr6S)nr/i ^®<i«/r(?^.
Do not check the liberal.
; 2952, Q&inrQ^ifiUi ^ppeuGsr «®«)ld ^ppisu&r,
j The kind-hearted is yielding.
i 2953. Q^/rQih urreQ ^^^u^ Qsirexfri^ u^mSiaJirir G6Uei!sT(SlLD.
However cruel a mother-in-law may be, she is nevertheless d'e*
sirable.
2954. Q^fnLi^^SlLpii(Q Q6UL^QSp6U(€r^^(^i (Ssfru9<sQ(iv eui^ ^£_<i
\ Can the woman who digs up roots dance before a temple idol ?
2955. 0«/r^zjL^ Q^fTiLif. ^etrm^fr^th r^^^ u^m^^ ^«/r^.
Though measured again and again, a kuruni will not become a
pathakku.
2956. Q^irCi^-^io QfBefT QmfnLi^T ^iLi^irp i9<m2^uy^^Siun- ?
If it stings it is scorpion, if it does not sting is it only a gryilua ?
i278 uifiQwir^.
If despised by her husband, all will slight her.
2958* Omiressri^ea ^Gfnu.uj ueoflm>^ii messri^irs^ (^uesiuQm® ^jSi
If she finds out the strength of her husband, she will get on the ruV
bish heap and fight.
2^59. 0<55/r«wrL_/r/f Qp<oSSp m^L^rrir QptsS^ir.
If husbands treat their wives angrily, others will do so too,
2960. Q^fremQ (^eom Qu&^Qp^rr ?
Do you speak lightly of a family into which you have chosen to
marry f •
2961. Osrr€ssrssit^i(^u y @^«^ ^€ssTesiu.i(^ fSpQp^,
To stand up to quarrel with a tjhaplet of flowers on the tresses.
2962. 0«/rflapr63)£-«(5U y (^QSp/Sir ^frif.i(gij ^ ^(SSfl^O'.?
Are flowers for the tresses, or for the beard ?
2*963. Q^fTemCoL-.trnr ereocv/rLo QuGsarijLir jy^^.
All that are betrothed are not real wives.
2*964' Qssfruj^s^^s\) QdairetreB ensu-^j^tiOkireiffi^^Quireo^
Like keeping a firebrand in the border of her own cloth.
Can needles be sold in a street of smiths ?
2966. Q^ireoe^m ereSssiin aessr® (Qjfm(^ &irs^i(^u ^ewr miLu^
It is said that a monkey seeing the weakness of a blacksmith aiged
him to adorn his legs with rings.
2967. 0«/r^6\)6ir iSeissTLb d3ieinpji^iTpQutre<^.
As the smith's corpse became stiff.
2968. Qsfreo^Sp^ih Q'9=fT^ i9^ifiui9iQp^th Q^trjpi.
Bice kills and it makes alive.
J
TAKIL PROVBHBS. £7^
2969. QsfTsoPaoi sfriLQ mi) usoSsoi ^frtLt^esr^Qufreo,
Like a wild jackal showing his te^di.
Like encouraging jackals in a field.
2971. 0«/r€u^«^u uioeQ (g/jL«(g<SF .^(^©jff.
He is a palli plant,-£acAnera Asiatica-to a garden, and a Saguni to
a family.
Both are iujiiriona.
, 2972. 0«/r«o&Ofl9«u (^pfS<ssi\u ^Gf)L-/B^ L/ev^ ^tpenir ^(i^u^i^i
[ Will the ploughshare destroy the grass at the foot of scarecrows
in the field I
2973, 0«/r«)S»o ufTLpir^^iD (j^efl-s^g ^ewr u^^llit ?
Are small birds famished because the fields lie waste ?
! . Sl^3so.
, The steamed cake has no head^ nor has a drunkard sense to i^aa:^
the rules of relationship.
^2975. Qs^tTQ^i^iLGifiL^i^^ ^Ssou^tly gjeo&oi mir^ib ^e^2isOy (^psii
The kolukkattai has neither head nor foot^ foresters are neither
virtuous nor mannerly.
2976. Q^TQ^^^euek 6S)««(g ^Ssrr/i^QieJr ^(jjifiL/.
He who is thin is a mere straw to him who is fat.
2977. Osifrerr ereisrQj^ev eurresytuji ^piSp^, muf-edir&rCb erm^eo
eufr€s>uj Qp(BlSp^ir ?
What! opening the mouth •when one says gram^and covering it
when one says bridle f
2978. QstTeaeufTQ^ib ^io^i Q^rrQuuirQ^ih ^sodso^
There are neither buyers nor sellers.
L
,380 ' uffiQinrrifi.
2979. QsBir&refi Qe^iresifrQl ^Sso Q&^frfS&pfifr ?
Po jou scratch your head with a firebrand ?
Though you may encounter a firebrandi you must not appear
before the planet Venus,
Secause burning with a firebrand will produce blisters, you are
branding me with a plantain fruit,
— — — : . . • I
2982^ Qd5frefr^L£i6iiesyfru960 Q&nessrL^iriLt^it^ Q^ireifn^i9p(m Qossri—ff
• *
Great pleasure till attained^ great misery afterwards.
2983* OiSB/rrirSsrr^gjL/ Quir^^w eh^iLQ ^«/rj57.
Even when going to plunder association is bad.
2984. O«/r6w-S5)fr«0Lb siaifii(^w ^uLf,
Escape from plunder and pestilence.
2985. Osirppeu&o' jsekeaH^th append iSiQsir^,
The learned are more than kings.
■
2986. O^irmQifp uireiiLb ^&srQrfeo ^Q^fh,
The sin arising from killing is expiated by eating the flesh so killed.
2987. (oSfr^fr6Q<35^irLc>Lf (^ev^^^sr^ FF(SsrLCi,
The hwdle of the axe is the enemy of its kind.
2988. Q^if. Simr^i^ (Ssireuessr ^Gssn^tL^in s'lBaJirF
Are the wealthy and mendicants on a par I
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 281
I
2989. Q^Ttf. QiLtr^ ^aS^uQeumQu^y ^e\>€\)jp QatreuGSsr ^^tf.
An attempt is to be made either by the wealthy, or by a beggar
that has only a span-long cloth.
2990. Q^fTif- flesrui ^(fRfB^fr^th ^easrih ^eu6V/r iLiasn'SeiDtu Lt^essrih
It is not good to marry a girl, no matter how great her wealth, if
her natural temper is exceptionable.
■ 2991, Gsirin^eujreir ^6B(S6U€9sr(SlCoLLir, ^eveo^ eo^av^fr^u^ ^sQsu
€Bsr(Sl(SLDrr ?
Which is to be preferred as a possession^ ten millions, or a hundred
thousand ?
2992. (?«/r®>L_ g)rp. ^i^^^irpQutreo.
As it thundered in summer.
I
2993. (oiSinL Q<3FtreousuSssri Qs/rQth Q^etr (sresr iSSssr,
Treat him who carries tale?, as a scorpion.
2994» (S'^siriL Q^ireo^ua euiriLi <fE/r/b^L_6Jr Qibhruu,
The mouth of the slanderer is as fire exposed to the wind.
r ■
2995. (osirtLL^irSsffT iLtf-u9p siLi^^Q^ir^i^^Quireo.
Like coQcealing an ominous owl in the lap.
2996. Q^fftLQ^ ^ldut ^iSen6u^^/re\) QuinLQ^ a^irui^L^ eunFSUfrir
setr.
If samba rice is boiled, they will come and eat.
2997. Q^irtLesiL^vQlso Queisr iSlpi^Sfr^ih QuiriLu. erQ^<i^u Qut
Will destiny be averted because the female was born in a fort I
2998. (osirtL€8)L^i(^eir(oerr (^^jsyii O&JiKSlui/r ?
Can a great battle be fought in a fort ?
282 UifiQtLtrtfi.
2999, Q^irsssri G)«/ra>L/ ejjS erexresr (^^snir ^/S €refr€sr ^€isffiri(^w
Whether they mount a palanquin or a horse, the distance between
the vain and reputation is very great.
3000. Q^fTGsS QsnmL,^ ern^^ Sruni^^,
That which the sack contained the buffiklo carried.
3001. Qmiretp^i Q^tresSi (Ssrrtf. QafrQuu^^u^ Qdatr^s^Ubp «sB/r
It is better to bestow a small gift freely than lacs with a wry face.
3002. (?«/r^Pirii ^jS/B^ OuGssT QmiT®^ utr^^jru^ ^{QIb^ i9^9^f
@®.
Having ascertained the character of the family give your daughter
in Toarriage, and knowing the worthiness of the applicant pn
alms.
3003. (oSfT^^jreff^csr^ ^rr^^jrCb ufrkuuir&ir.
One of low birth consults a fortune-teller.
3004. Q^/ruLo ^e\)€\)irfi ^esuru-iLD ^unuGrrLa ^ioeoirjs (S^eus^LO,
A master wiUiout anger, a servant without wages%
3005. (oAfruih urrULDy iS^^esiira= ^^^q^.
Angqr is sin, sleep is an enemy.
3006. Q^fTuih s-GkfTL^rrerrijb^
Anger ends in cruelty.
3007. (o^rruih -^P(^P @C?irT/3?£i> ^^^.
When anger ceases, revenge ceases.
3008. (o<asiruiii e^Gfretr ^i^^^eo (jesarzi «L6Mr®.
Where there is anger, there may be excellent qufilities.
3009. Q<3Sfri9 (&^^siDfr(Si£i€0 ai^eu/reffLb ^eo^soireff^
The irascible is like a man on horseback withoat a bridle.
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 283
He Tralks as if stipporting a tower.
3011. (oSfTL/jTih ^irmSiu Uf^iJoQurreo &rLbiS(ff€ifr,
He carries like a goblin that bears a tower.
3012. Qsfr(LpL-if.u L/^P«(5 Qmir^ih ^€v2so.
The foresight of a komutti-m^rc^Ti^never fails.
One should reside near a temple and a tank.
^ . . * — - — .
: 3014. (o^n-uSio ^s\)s\)/r smiUQeo (^if.u9 (f^^^^frinfr p
May one dwell in a village in which there is no temple !
,iS0l5. Q^irSeo WQsSiuCb er&srjpi &h.Lji9iLL^freo (Suv^ih,
J It is enoagh to be called the manager of the temple.
Will the temple cat reverence the deity ?
13017. (odsiru9p f^3ssr^(^LJ uujLb (^&sr ?
Why should a temple cat fear ? .
^018. QiSirjri^iir ^yxsujiQiULo (^essr^^t^i^^ ^p(^u>fr p
Will the medical work by Korakkar assist one to fiiid out the
symptoms of disease ?
p019. (?«/rs3)/r ^z^siDtu« Q«®<i(g£i,
f Course grass is ruinous to the cultivator.
|I020. G«/r«o/r« @ffiim(^ ^r^(S6iidofri(^ SL^a/ti,
Even the root of the korai grass will be of use sometime or other.
p021» C?«/rgv «gt-« (^jrii;^ ^Qih, ^^Quireo mesrih ^Qth.
As the staff moves the monkey moves, in like manner the mind
moves.
3022. Gsfreo ^ipk^ (&^(^i^efsrQu(reo.
Like a blind man who has lost his staff.
L
284j U LfiQ lUfTLfi.
3023. Qsirio 6T®^^ i9efr^ (^0LLQui9effSsfr.
The child that handles a stick is in danger of becoming blind.
3024. (S^ir6if6S(^ '^!P(S ^'^isi(S£s/r(5\) ^es)p&f>LD,
A. sceptre of justice is tte beauty of royalty.
3025. (o^fTi^ ^if.iSp^fb(^>s (^^iB^Lf. QeueifrQinfr ?
Is a club needed to kill a fowl ?
3026* (S^itl^ seireifQufrs ^® QeuiLt^u Oumsime^i ^QQp^ff ?
Do you attempt to recover a stolen fowl by sacrificial offerings ?
3027. Q^iTL^ sh.eQ sQi^Spfl/r /smu (^Sso^^ eQi^Qp^ir ?
Does the day dawn at the crowing of a cock, or at the barking rf
a dog?
3028. Q35iTL^^(^^3ri(^u uirso Q^ivQ^^^QuiTeo ,
As one fed a chicken with milk.
The fever of fowls and the jealousy of a spiteful woman have vk
remedy.
3030. QsiT^asjSl (sr&srp^ib Osiressru-fn^i Qe^iremL^^u^ S<ss>ir^^^
All that ado about the fowl curry, Subba, ends in a mess of greei
3031. Q^^ifi Spsnrs\) (^(^si-sdofr^ ^rruu^Quireo,
As a hen keeps her chickens under her wings.
3032. QsfTL^ ^(f^l^tLjlii «LL- J^(LpQ(ff(^,
Having herself stolen the fowl she weeps ivith the owner on accw
of its loss.
3033. Q^fTL^ ^mp <3s&r€rr^)jth ah.L- yfleir^y fi_€V/r«i/®(75>6Jr,
The thief who has stolen the fowl» walks about with the oumer
search of it.
Not only is the fowl gone, but her voice aJao is gone hy coiling **•
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 285
3035. (oSfTlfi iSf^^^i (5(55«^ Qpi^LCi ^(^UilT ?
Will a chicken become lame if the mother hen treads on it !
3036. Q^ffL^ (LpL^^^^(^i 3su.fr QeuiLif^u ueQ ^lLl-^Quitso^
Like sacrificing a sheep for the recovery of a lame fowl.
3037. Q^fT^ (ipiLe!DL.u9€\) Lbu9ir i9(Slm6ieotrmir ?
Can hair be plucked off a hen's egg T
3038. QsiTL^m)aj6i (SsiLQi^ir ^easriJD sinL^s^Qp^ ?
Is the fowl to be consulted when it is to be prepared for the table t
9, (?«/r(€5«(^ QpmCo^&sr &h^(w^(^u iQmQ^&sr,
\ Be not first at slander nor last at meals.
! Why professions of respect regarding one about whom you are
always telling tales ?
Y
Near the candle-stick it will be clear to all.
1042. QiOSGrrstneu ^^(sifiL^ujmr sirdso^ QfBrrsSl,
Touch the feet of those with whom you have aught to do.
43. 0^e(T€S)eu 3S(mQ^&sr^
Be mindful of your business.
144. Q^enGs^eu^ Q<^fr^sSle\) cra/'rigii ue^a.
Abusive words will create enmity.
Can anxiety add length to one's body ?
He who has no concern will not say any thing favourable.
286 UifiQiLir^.
3047. lEiuu&sr i9pfB^^ Qeuerr&f^UiSsOy antruQ i9p/Bfl^ Qu/r&sriL^,
My father was bom in a silver mountain, and my mother was boro
in a golden mountain.
3048. iBuQuire^ euha.
Bend yourself like the letter ®-6e humble.
3049' ^^^u9(Seo seoSso eQiL® ^/S/6jstrd\) ^m ^esaH frrifrj^LO jjf
If one throws stones into mud, his own cloth and those oi othenj
will be spattered.
3050. ^^eOGsr e^peBeo e^fressrQsirtf. u^^a^Lbir ?
Is there such a dearth of span-long-creepers that you are obliged to
stdy at your sister's husband's house ?
3051. ^seVQpth spp<su^p<ssrdsat^ ^iririB^Q^^
Associate with a person who is versed in every thing.
••— "^i— "— — r— •
3052. <F«6o Q^^^^ €v/r/r^«j)^(t/(i ^pj^^kQt^it&rf^&pQfB aj/r«/(5^
To study the different dialects of each country is usrful to all.
3053. ^(oSfTfljr^ ^^etrensu&sr Uiss>u.ii(^ ^(^csp/reir.
He who has a brother does not fear to fight.
2054. ^«(g*^ <3p«(5 erSsrj[it uirs(^^ ^<ckufr&sr ^$>nuQui<i=<aF , effiiff-
When out he chews betel to attract publia notice, iKhen.he retoros
home he licks the comei^^of his mouth to secure the adwratioii
of women.
J
TAMIL PBOVESBS. 287
S055. ^iiss£Djih Lfiks^ith ^ii&iU/rSi(^ &.fieQajir ?
Are fools and blockheads of service to the religious mendicant ?
3056. ^iiSQso enirir^^ireO' ^ir^^Lb, ^tLtf^iBQe^ €Uirir^/Sireo fi&kr
If poured into a conch, water becomes sacred, if into a chatty/ it is
what it is.
3057. <F/E/(g ^u9jrLD Q^irGssr® sirQ^Qu Quir^^ih ^m ufrsuih /sek
Though one carries a thousand conchs to Benares, his sin sticks to
him.
^058. ^ii^ e^iriL^tb ^essrt^ euiru^Cb^
The mouth of the conch, the mouth of the religious mendicant.
159. s=m\o^^^\Jb eQLLL-,/re\) ^ii^^sititJoi ^eoSso.
When deprived of modesty, there will be no sense of honour.
It is said that the religious mendicant with matted hair cries for
pepper water, and the linga he worships cries for the five delica-
cies, viz., milk, curds, ghee, sugar and honey.
I <
.SQ/«(5 QLLfT/r eriiQs S<ois)L-.i(mLo.
When a religious mendicant with matted hair finds it difficult to
obtain rice, where will the bald headed obtain butter milk.
1062, ^99>L^^fiLn9jrfrm ^afl£l®«(5 ^(i^SipQuir^ eQasih ujnofr
When a religious mendicant is cryiog for bran, will the linga
ask for delicacies !
^
^/mmmmmimm^mmmm
K dragged by his matted h«ir, the ];eligi<»is luieadicant may foe
brought noar one.
L
288 uffiQubtrifi.
8064. ^iLtf. &tiLl^^LD fiW« fi0iJ.L^^£i),
The chatty burnt, the hand left it.
3065. ^iLQeUUi SfS^3r€Si6a ^fSlnQiblT ?
Can a ladle appreciate the flavour of curry T
3066. ^Gssruuelsr ^iL®^ QssirL^, ^irQesr 6Qe^ia(^ ^iLi^jiQairmL.^
As a flax-dresser's fowl fettered itself.
3067. ^essTLDi i9^^ih d'emih euir^u^.
One moment he is bilious and the next rheumatic.
3d68. ^essrL^u^irQFifB^^p(^ er^irLJUL-.u. ^^(^(Surrev.
Like dry leaves before a strong wind.
3069. ^Gikri^i(^ ^pp iSeSsri^^^
A stubborn person well suited to the self-willed.
3070. ^G6T<saf)i- Qps^^Qeo Q^peu/r?
Is relationship recognised in a battle field ? i
3071. ^GSSTGsS ^€SST^)Lb^ CT&ir^ QuOJIT ^QeUfrGfT^
She will call him Annamalai the gormandizer.
3072. ^/sQa-fTtf. ^EiS^^Qev Qu^iTiLiSSii^fi flfr^$mi ^GknrL^/nuir erm
Qp^Quirsv,
Like asking one in a crowd, if the bald headed devotee has w^i
seen.
3073. ^^sris^efreSkBeo ^S<sv e_6wr£-./r@a), i
The eaglewood-acgmZZa grows with the prickly pear.
•3074, «SF65)^« smQ «^P /5/ri-.<?fiM6wr®Lb. '
The mrgeon'a knife must be judiciously ftpplied^^
TAltlL PBOVEBBS. 289
S075. 9^fB §ieoeo/rLDp m/i^ mfrQmfr ?
Will the knife operate where there is no flesh ?
3076. <r«D^ fLcrrew ^i-.^^(Seo s^^ /snrQih,
The eurgtorCa knife seeks the fleshy parts*
As if seven clouds simultaneously rained fire.
3078. ^i^sr^^i 3h^(ipi^ iBiTiuisir ^uuSssariu/r ?
Is the order of the Naidu required in order to procure gruel. at the
choultry I
1079. ^^^JT^^u utnL(Bli(^^ ^(^uurnKS (Su^evnr p
Is a divine hymn superior to that sung in a choultry ?
180. ^^^jr^^Qeo Quir^esrth, mi^^^Q^ iS^^eair,
Eating in a choultry and sleeping in a monastery.
)81. ^^^vu^^Qcd ^itlS ^iriLQ ereirSp ^;i^iuih Quid^,
To say God is the witness of what one testifies, is the highest of all
forms of oath.
|082, ^^^lu^^p^ ^(s\)e\)fr^ iSifffrSstr ^isuuL-t^uCSuir^ ^ffi^
! QuirSpflir ?
Will the child that^ has no regard for truth go to weep with one
when in sorrow I
k
3. ^ji^ojih /Bsirg^flSso, <F/r«D6i/^ ^^stld f9Ssifr,
Truthfulness is the best condition, daily think of death.
184. iSF^^tuCoLD Qeuev^th ^a^^^iuQm QdSfreo^th,
Truth prevails, falsehood kills.
85. ^^^ViiQib Qaire\)^th a'^^iuQii^ Qeueo^ih^
Truth kills falseJiood, truth prevails.
B6. ^^^Quj Q//r<F<S69r ^meivfl ^p(^€8sr^.
The truthful man has all other virtues*
19
290 uifiQit/r^.
To eat rice at lihe ehouUiry, is the permiasioii of tiie head brahman
necessary?
The powerful associate with the povTerful, sandal paiste mixes wiA
camphor.
3089. «iF;i^/(g<i«.S3«-«7*i &^^smirii Qfs&.
liiove even yout* ^nmiies heartily.
A^ enemy's envy is bis own punishment.
3091. ^fB^JrSsaiLJurrir^^ isirdj ^Ss(^^^p(Suireo^
As a dog barked at, the moon.
The mpon shines even in the bouse of; the outcast.
3093. ^ieif>fi'u9e\> ^,tf.uil.L^eu£f)ji(^<F ^rriL^ -gj^*^
Whp.is the witftesarf him that has been floggiad in the bazaarl;
3094. ^f^^fB-i eh^iLi^Lb QufTLbmeo ^iLt^ih,
4; crowd of people iq a^ mari^et-place h ; liM a puppet-show.
3095. ^fBsy>fl^(^ euik^-euir^s^ ^ftwr ^^amr/r ?
Will those who frequent the same market Siid as friends I
3096. ^iSiunr^ €ff.®. ^eiif8ssvrSQe\x..
The pi$|*op6n wmmla^is.tiie home of the ascetic^
3097. ^JBiSfUfT^ uojcssnii -^sosr^sffifr eOtUSfi (^^uu j^^irm ^
The pilgrimage of the mendipant is. to jump off a pial. .
The old temper of thp a«$6tiC/^vJll:mtrteav0 him^
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 2912
3099. ^itBojfrS (?«/r6i/6wr^^i(5 g)<F^^^^ e^Qp^frjrtD Qi^^lL
As an ascetic became a householder when he coveted a cloth.
3100. ^ifSojifQ&nuj^ ^if..^^ fsnrtui(^LJ i9m.^(Se\i mjrsu^irth ^r/i/Soj/r
They say that the dog that bites an ascetic will go to hell eventually^
the ascetic will die before.
3101. ^ i f8 uj IT Seniu iSfB^^^eu^i^u i9eir^(Se\) iBjrmubirCb,
It is said that hell awaits him who reproachei^ an ascetic.
3102. ^/B/SoJ/r^i^ib ifir^iLiresrih Qurrssfr^^
Even an ascetic feels proud of his caste.
Timidity before an assembly is bad.
3104. ^sff)uu9Qeo miSjr&ir ^jr^Qeo eBipQ^iresr,
In the assembly of the learned he is a nakklran-a sage^m a royal!
council a chferan-a king ekvUed in archery.
I
^3105. ^LJUtrGsSi(^ Q/Btrmtf^ ^€mu.ut9jr^0iifrL,th.
A lame man is a hero before » cripple^
3106. ^LD€8sr s-/5i8iuir&i^ih 6U6!wr^pjgB/«(gii) ^thu/B/Sih srmesr f*
What has a naked mendicant to do with a washerman !
When opportunity offers he may eat even Yama as a cake^.
3108. ^iDiuLD eumu^/5fr6\> setreif Q^iuenfrmm,
He will steal if opportunity offer.
1109. <3F LP ir^^^m(m ^^La Quifi^i\)eo,
Nothing is too great for a clever man.
Do cannon'balls fly wit3i inteUigent force f!
292 u tpQ mn- 1^,
What did the clever matron get, she got rice in chatty fulls.
3112. ^Lnlri^&ren Q^6us^i(mu uev^LD ^uj^LDmjb,
Even a blade of grass is a weapon in the hands of a skilful warrior.
3113. ^Uiir^^efrsrr Q<3=eiJm^iii(^ eufrerr uap^ir^s^tii Qa® @«vSa).
Though his sword is injured, the skilful soldier suffers no loss.
3114. ^Uiir^^^(^'3F ^(ssfliusir.
In power, equal to Saturn.
3115. ^LSi<s&nm ^fSliufr^sum <rj5i/ ireir ^eugv^
He who cannot comprehend a sign is not clever.
He is inciting to fight by shewing signs.
- — ' — -
3117. ^(Lp<3Ffrjrss(^iL(Si Qeuefl ^L-L^/rev /b^l^ld.
It is a loss for family broils to get abroad.
3118. ^Qp^^JTQpih fa^fra^is^nL^iLiUi ^iflajfr ?
Are the ocean aiid ^ ditch alike I
3119. ^Qp^^jr^^^S^ ^ppih QuiriLL^^Qufiii) ^(f^^^P^.
tiike pliinting a picott^ oti the sea-«ide.
.* A.
3120. ^Qp^^jr^^p(^ih s^rrmr (^€ssrQ<i(^LD (srihunr^^jrih ?
How vast the difference between the ocean and a span- wide ditcbl
W I I «
3121 • ^(Lp^^ff^ <su(5sr^essr^ i^&kfrL-fr err esr, j
r
A deep treacherous fellow is a wretch.
3122. «F«ni:/iuj^ 6ff*iLif-(oe\) /bitiu ^sfSiLpiB^irpQufrso,
As a dog crept into the cooking room.
'13123. '9'smLHus\) ^tLt^Qeo npujci) ^irQesr 6um^jp(Suire\>,
As a hare of its own accord came into the c6ok room.
TAHIL PROVERBS. 298
3124. ^thu^^Ld eBu^^ih ^fh-i—Qeu ^Q^^Slp^^
Abundance and straitness are closely allied
Though one's income is only half a fanam, an air of respectability
must be preserved.
Though one's hire is but half a fanam dependents must be pro*
tccted.
3127, ^LbU^esr Sjrs&o^^ eui/srr&iry Q^ldlj /S6u2sO(5iduj s^eaCSeir ©oaf.
Our rich and honest neighbour is'come, remove the copper vessels
out of sight.
b128. ^{Qesrm 6»«a36U ^suulLi^ QdeouQu^ Quires,
Like lice in a cloth that had been in the hands of a Jaina mendir
cant.
|129. 4Fir«(g<i «6wri- @/-^^(?eo i5errSsyr Ou^Qp^,
Bringing forth a child where the required conveniences are found.
I130* ^jrds(^i ^mri^ ^t^^^Qeo tSeirSwrij;^ ^eQip^Lb QsnrQss iSdssr
«®/D^ Qufreo^
Like intending to give medicine to her child where conveniences ara
found.
[131, ^(!^(S j^iflies (SfSjTiii ^mfS ^etflir sinu Q/sjriii ^eoSso.
He has only just time to collect dry leaves ; he has not time t>
warm himself.
132. ^Q^isesiir erm(ffe() ^^^d^i^QuStr ?
Is the word sugar sweet ?
133. ^Q^^^mfTu ui^eQQeo Q^munrXi Quuj/B^Qufr^,
A honey-fall in a sugar pandal-ati open shed.
. ''
Are sugar and sand alike r
L
Are sugar and flour alike ?
If bile can be removed by taking sugar^ why take bitter medieis^
3137. ^evih ^esiifiiUJT^ ^L^fi^^eo (sres^rOGssriLiCby ersssrOossrii ^anip
iuir^ ^t^^^so LfettiStLjLEi ^emtfiiLjih,
Oil gets in where water cannot, and smoke enters where oil cannoL
'3138. s'&ieStu ^irff^^iuu> Q^djiuirQ^^
Drive not the coach by megic.
, Like pulliiig oat hair from civet.
Are jou suffering from catarrii, or has Saturn seized you T
3141» ^^i^m flmi^0 ^fl^^(Sy ^^eBi^irjT^i^ Sfl^(^.
The fop is his own enemy, but a friend of the cloth merchant*
The friendship of the good is agreeable as molases of sugar.
3143. ^m^QjBir® ^enrui Q^0ih ^ifBesr^Q^ir® ai-uy^jrih G^fjUJ
l£en associate with men, camphor and sandal paste blend toget
3144. d^^sTu ue^ui ^(T^i^rreo idcstu u&>ui euq^w.
When a man has a strong party he will act with deciaicni.
3145. ^eS iffirQ.
Bathe on Saturday..
This provdrb is regarded by the people among whom I have Mn
as equivalent to a commandi and is obeyed as such, by obserti^
Saturday as a bathing day.
TAHIL. PROYE&BS. 2^5
Sonoe interpreters put another oousti'uctiOD updn it, making the
Word, usually translated Saincday, a verb, meaning to spring as water,
and render it, bathe in springing, fresh, oool water. In some pajrts
of the country, men bathe on Saturday, while women bathe on
Friday, or Monday. To bathe on Tuesday is regarded as fatal if
refieated again and again.
'3146. ^srf? i9Lf.^^QfBir ^eSujGsr i9if.^^(S/Bir ?
Has Saturn sei^. or one possessed by him, seized ?
SU7, ^(sSu iDessrih fleSuQuirmir^*
A Saturday corpse goes not ahme.
To avert evil as iar as posttble, it is not ttnoomnon, with reference
to the prerailing opinion expressed in this proverb, for Hindus to
bury a fuwl when a death happens on Saturday. A Native friend
informed me that he saw a chicken put into the coffin of a deceased
Native Christian. I have been informed that on some occasions
the fowl is'eaiTied alive to the place of iocremation mr hurid, the
people scattering various kinds of gC4in on the way* In this case
the fowl is killed near the< corpse and its blood is sprinkled upon it.^
Like procuring Saturn at a price.
^"■f"
A woman seized by Saturn will not find a rag even in the maj&ket.
t
A woman seized by Saturn will not obtain a husband thjC^h she
may go to the market.
|51. ^^esffiCb g2b/5^/r^ eff^ffutj eriiQ^B?
\ If oracular power has fiiiled, whence the ground of exulta4k»i ?
296 utfiQubfTL^.
9 IT.
3152. <3Ffr<3B^^ifiSQrf>^ ^'emL^iTGirm ^irLn9iL®^^SiQQ}f^ Qumu
The vicious wanders about famished ; the householder is in H^
enjoyment of plenty.
The sea is but swimming depth ^o one that braves death.
3154. ^fTdBu Quirq£^m/Sl Qeumu Quir(Lp^ ^evSso,
There is time to die, but none to be consumed by fire.
3155. ^niSp6U^9>jni9d\) eneu^^ajdr eQL-.fr^, QiF^^tr^iii eQi^rrm u§
iSFfnsi^dS65frF^,
A physician will not leave one till death, an astrologer will
leave even then.
J
3156. ^/rQ/beuemrrttBiouiQ^/B^ Qifr(Sl^'35Q(SU(sm(Sth,
Medicine must be given to the very last.
3157. <sFffSp^(Suirev ^Q^fs^ ^(^rr^ ^Q^Sp^u^ e^essrQ.
They who were apparently dying have recovered.
3158. ^irSpGU^i»(^^ ^Qp^^srtb Qptfiisafr^ [^tpih.
The ocean is but knee-deep to him who is dying.
3159. ^irSStp/sum s^eSiu^^iQU. uuJuu(Seufr^ ?
Will one who is dying be afraid of Saturn ?
3160. ^trSp 6ktes)jr6B(^tjCi tF^^a^eotufT^e)) QuirSlp^ eriifii «^<
Qmir ?
If anxieties attend us till deith, when wiU they be removed ?
3161. ^irSpeuGtf)jr(y^ih &'iEjsi^LDtr^60 euira^Qp^ eriafreoth?
If we are to be troubled till death, wh^ shall we enjoy proaperity|
3162. ^frSp fsmu effjr^e^n^si mtriLt^^pQufreo^
As a dying dog showed courage.
I
1
TAMIL PBOVEEBS. 297
3163. ^trQp miriu effiLtf^ekQiDeo ^fS^pQufreo.
As a dog about to die ascended the house top.
For a dog to get on the roof of a house is regarded as au omen of
some great calamity, and therefore the dog should be destroyed.
3164. «9="/r<55<g5«r)i_<5F Q&'jpi/ er^qtf^ux ^idserr^Q errnqr^^in <Frf?.
! The mud of a ditch and a rival wife are alike.
3165. €" IT k^<sTiL^u LjQp ffreirQrf>^LD eF^men^^&^uj Qeue^ieduQufT^rr^,
Though despicable as a worm in 'a ditch, it is difficult to over-
come a rival wife.
3166. ^rr^^es^i^u Li(ip69/b(^u (ourriSi^ih (sritQsi ?
Where shall the worm that was bom and bred in the ditch go T
I 8167. i5Ffr'%(mih Qufr^(^ih (sipsfr^ ^tusir (ipesr^
I Excuses are of no avail before God.
; 3168. ^rr&Q'^fr Q^srraQsiT juLb&nununriir eurriCSsufr ?
Is it the result of excuse, planetary influence or the matron's word ?
3169- dFfri^s(^ ^^9- ^mii^^^Qurrei),
As a lid fitted to a jar.
3170. '3=irtLQ<i6i!Tir&sr sfreBe^ ^Qpsu^^ih ^essr&ni^isirjr&sr ^rre8s\)
eQtfieoiTLD,
Better to fall at the feet of an opponent than at the feet of witnesses.
3171. ^fTiL® ^s\)s\)frLDp &=fr6ii ^isoSso.
No death occurs without an ostensible cause*
8172. ^fTiLesiL. ^f^eoiru ULDUjru^ ^iLi^&neuis oiffuevca/sir.
He is able to spin a top without a string.
3173, ^friLesiu, ^^eofru uiiiujrui ^(Sinfr p
WiU a top spin without a string ?
298 utpQiufT L^.
3 174. «5F/r^sir <sT€=&so ^Q^uuii^iLi^, ^iridsentr Qeue\)6\)ih ^Lpojsn^
Coiirse sugar is defiled by a chanan*s-^re6 climber-eaMva,, and sugar
by that of a ploughman.
3175. ^nrssiii<i (^^iLjih ^Qp^^jTQfiih s'SaJtrii iS2ssrMeoirub!r ?
Can you imagine the ocean and a dung-pit to be of equal magnitude !
3176. ^iTGsS'3F ^tLLf-tLjCb ^Q^6ki^€'iLLf,tLfu^ ^Biuirii^ir ?
Can you compare a cow-dung chatty with a brass ]»an T
3177. ^fTesSiLjib ^euir^Lb ^S^iuir(^Lh(T ?
Are dung and civet alike T
3178. <y/r^jy'«(2<F ^iressr eS^^ujird'LD,
It differs at every span-length.
3179, ^aQ^s) euu9jpi/ ^l^sriii creve\)fnja tu(i9(a(/r^ F
Is 3;our stomach a span-long, or are you all stomach f
3180. ^n-^m (cjp QptfiU^ ^j)ii(^Sfi^,
To advance a span, and slide back a cubit.
3181. ^iressT ^p sq^gQ^so (Wffi^Q^j^,
lu every span of pavement I wash, there is a cubit of deep mui
3182. 'S^iressT (^(7^6S^(^ QPffi ^^^frti^.
It is said that a span-long bird has a cubit^long tail.
3183. ^frem drs3)i_<i(^ QPffi^ ^uSq^ ?
What, a cubit of string for a span of matted hair !
3184. ^irmr Q &= t^uSi(Seo Qptp^ fbu^ QeuiLi^ev/TLDir p
Can a stick a cubit long be cut in a spaa4ong copse P
3185. ^'Teifr u6iDpi(^ Qptp^ ^ifL,
A cubit stick for a span drum.
J
TAMIL PBOYEBBS. 299
Although the snake may be only a span-long, a stick a cubit long
is required to kill it.
3187, ^freasr i9&r3sfr(otufr ^mi9eifrSsfr(Siunr ?
Is it a span-loDg child or a bold man f
•3188. ^^^ ^ISfl H^0 06V£i ^/B^ ^^fTJTth^
Ideas suited to caste> manners suited to rank.
5189. ^ir^u^irmQpui ^LDajiLirGsrQpth ^isrSujirQ^^ fiLCwr®,
Caste and religious distinctions obtain even among religious men-
f dicants.
\ 5190. ^fr^ iSjrmi^irp s/rQ ^^-ii Qe^iretrefrir^,
\ When the meek are enraged, even a forest will not hold-^^er wrath- *
.3191. <r/r^iHujLj y,3ssr i£&sr @(5<i«L/ L/istFliuikaire9)U.im Q3iir€m(Sl
\ The cunning cat left the fish, and carried off the tamarind fruit.
r
8192. ^fT^if^tuu j^Ssvr ^uSfr ^q^mm^ ^tLif.es)(U /siSpjjj,
^ The artful cat left the curds, and licked the chatty.
i ^ —
[3193. ^rrfiSfirrsS (^QLSl'i(^ih iSF/irSiuirS ^,^Mr^«(5"i Qp^^ (SuirQS
Thou art tying the knot of Satt&ni's hair to the sacred thread of
the religious mendicant.
If the shasters are false, look at the eclipse.
8195. ^fT&v^jnli ufTir^^u Quesardssiffi Q^iretr (Sdsrr^Qjnh uirir^^u
Take a wife after consulting the shasters and give a daughter in
marriage after ascertaining the chaxacter of the family into
which she is going.
300 u ifiQ LLir L^.
3196. 'S'fT&vQjrih uirjrirjs,eff® ^Qp^^jruiy uirk^^ offQ ^S^^irui*
The family that regards Dot the shasters has an oceau of wealih,
whilst the one that regards them is in poverty*
31 97. ^frGfO^jrui ^pp6U(Ssr fBirQssr sir^.
He who is learned in the shasters is himself money.
3198. ^iri^uQuiLu^ u/rthLjuQuLLt^ ^uSpj^,
The scent box has become a box of snakes.
3199. ^auiSerrSofT Oupj^i/^ /SfrevfTL^L^eufr P
Can you dandle a still-born child ?
Better die than bear a still-bom child.
* 3201. ^fruiSfftrSfffT Qupp6U(et^<i(^^ s^iQ^rr's^iD euQ^Lo/r ?
"Will she have joy who has borne a still-born child !
3202. ^fruiSfSfTdsir Qup(nj>^ih inQi^^^^Qii'Q^i.eQ ^uuir^^
Though a still-born child is» brought forth, there is no escape fron
the midwife's fee.
3203. ^itlS euirih OmirQ^^fr^ui L^<F/r/i? @^ti) Q'SirQisminLL^f^^^
Though God may bestow the gift, the priest will not suffer you to
enjoy it.
3204 ^!r€S)LLUUi]9(i^iSi iSFdsSeQajLjQuessr^jjth ^esyu^i^treo QfiX\n\^*
Sdmi rice when bolted, and a girl of the shoe-maker cla^ when
matured, appear to advantage.
3205. ^iriiiU^i Qcssri^i Qmiri^ ^irQesr €Gei)Ei(^ ^iLQiQ^iTMU
As a hen fettered herself whilst scratching a rubbish heap.
3206 ^fTLDudso^ 3i^^ Qeu&inQessnjuesitULJ y^S&xr^Qufreo^
Like rubbing the mouth with butter after having eaten ashes.
3207, ^iTjrmu^eif)^ eufrir^^u jtjrfruj^iSiD^i Qs(^^
Pour in liquor and draw out the secret.
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 301
What matters it whether the potter makes a large or a small chatty ?
Though one may drink water out of a large pot, the water that one's
mother pours out allays one's thirst.
■
[3210. ^ireuirubp ^puQ^ ^evsQ, i9pir ^L^^^ci) {^sBmnQ) ^-essruQ^
I That is learning which teaches us to escape death, and that is food
i which is obtained without dependence on others.
A community without learned men is a hamlet of mountaineers.
f
9..
When hungry will a lion prey on frogs ?
- QuiBQujirnr ^i&es)puutl.i^!rs^ QuStu dsiriHuj^siD^CoUJ G)<5fuj
When lions are hungry they go in search of elephants to prey on,
in like manner, when the great are reduced to poverty they
achieve great things- to relieve their wants,
A lion knows no danger.
215. Stl®6Ejg0635(?i£)5O uesna^smu esjsu^^^Qurreo,
As a palmyra fruit was placed on a small bird.
216. SLL(Sl<i(^Q^^(oLD<5\) iSjnhu^fT&o^irui 0^fr(Slfii3S6\)!rLbir ?
Do you discharge heavy arrows at small birds ?
L
302 utfi(3mfrifi.
3217. ffi,@[i/«(5 OTCUfiv/ru) i96wr<i(g«(5 g)£_tD,
Hesitancy and delay lead to disagreeables.
3218. S^LDUjT^^Coco i9pkfl i9efT^9(^^ ^(i^Qeuthuiraneu ap^i
Is it necessary to teach yenhsL-holy versea-to a child bom
brought up at Ghilambaram T
3219. S^UiUjr ^is5jr^s9)^u Quii uirrruu^Quireo.
As a demon looks at the circle of Ghilambaram.
This proverb refers most likely to magical diagrams generally.
3220. &^^&sr QutTi(^€= Qsu&fT Quirsr^ ^essrt^ (Suiri^ jy(?^ Gu(
The manner of Chittan is like the manner of Siva, the manner
religious mendicant is like itself.
3221, ^fi^esyfr intrfB^^p Q^eo^^ iSipmflireo Sq^ld SpuLji
If a son is bom in Chittirai-iljpriZ-the state and reputation of tl
family will be ruined.
3222. 6?/i^65)/r mrr^^^p i9pikfi 9fr Qsi^^Co ^euSso^ ^lju& ustJ
None bom in 0hittirai--4^)riZ-is unfortunate, none born in Aipasij
October-is fortimate.
3223. ^,i^ OuQr^^ UbQ^iBffiin Lb^^mQ^ir Qup^u uesyt^iuir/B i3i
SsfFU-iUi i9err2efr(Sfuir?
Is that medicine which does not take effect, is that which a woTna/i
has not brought forth and reaied, her child !
3224' S^^jTiriiS QutTLaimr S&sretsr QeumiSiLi^LaLLfr,
Little Yengadamma is a hypooritical lady.
Form friend^hipa after due deliberation, haying done sa do not give
place to doubt. .
TAMIL PBOVBBBS. S0$
3226. 0(?/5«ii> Q^iu^tB^ Q^ir^ Q^6ifli^i9eir fBihi^,
On forming firiendship try it, and on being convinced of its sin-
cerity, rely on it.
3227. &i^ ^jpi/Bj^QuirSp Qp^(^ eriflLDiLQiXi ^(J^c^/i?
How long will the nose last that breaks off on blowing T
228. Sui^uBCSeo 6Q(ipfS^ u^euiifi^^efFl Qfi^jSfr^ui; ^^Qurreo^ rs^
A rain drop that falls on an oyster-shell will become a pead, so a
benefit conferred on the virtuous will endure.
3229l SihiQdeo eu2stnuir^^ fbi^^^nio eu^aJu(oUfrSp^fr ?
If when it is a twig it cannot be bent, will it bend whea it haa
become a large tree ?
1230. Semfr^/sfre)) OiD/TLLsnL- emsuji/trrp (^®lB.
If shaven-bald, if kept, kudumi.
!31, Senir^fifreo dSLcfl QfaFeSfi^/rp d'Lbuetrih,
If you; shave) hirOj if you. serve, wages.
Is a woman, who pilfers . aware what expense means T
*233» ft6MLi€»)<5F (?fiafSarr/t96U ajr^vf. lj(^ib^ ^Quires),
As a bear entered at th^ time of Siva puja.
p^^^v^
!34. Seuf^emd^ Q^^u9Qeo ajn^fniu eQtL® ^iLQQp^ir ?
\ Is a dancing bear produced at the time of Siva puja T
A rat on. Siva linga^.
■ ■ III •
'36. &694Uirjg^A(^ .^tf.€SiL£iiJuiLL^ffe^ sireD^u^ Q&i€Sfir®w Srinia^jijot
If subj<dct to a palanqjtin bearer, one must bear both palanquins and
burdens*
I
304 UffiQuartfi.
3237. &pQi^iin QLDi\)e9s'n'ujLJ Quireir ^if.LJUir&fr,
He will beat out gold even thinner than a feather.
3238. Sp(^ ^eoevfTu upesieuQuireo^
Like a bird without wings.
3239. ^/D(3 u/SO^iT®^fi upesieuQuire^,
Like a bird deprived of its wings.
3240. SfSiuirQjTiT® ^essrmsffCo^ Q<fldljS(^u ujeifi eQiLQ Ub&ajffQ/SB.
Do not associate with the mean, do not macerate chambu greens
with acid.
3241. S/SttJirirA(^ ^(soflium^s^ amLu-frQ^ (SfSFthi^if^u neSi eQiLQ
Do not offer sweets to children, nor mix acid with chambu greens^i
3242. S^dSQiurrnr Q^iufi &j^ i9is^ifi <sreo&iirLb QuSQuJfrir ^eofeui
It is the duty of the great to forgive the faults of inferiors.
3243. S/ol(Siufrir 6r^a)/r(i Sp/tuir ^evev.
All that are little are not inferiors.
3244. &jpJ^<3F ^^«^ ^mQY^eo LD^eiDUJiLiih ^(ssrasreairLb,
If you eat little by little, you may consume a mountain.
3245. ^jpi/^i <35tLif.u QuQ^^ «w/r(i^.
Build a small house, and live thriftily.
3246. Sjpi^as eSesi^^fiseism Sjpj^i ^^uuir<^.
He that sows little will reap little.
3247. Sjpj Qifi^&r Q^ir^^Lb ^GssffssSsffreo iSjrtiiLjth^
But little water is required to fill a small hole.
3248* Sj^if (ajifiiB&n^ ^(s^eoiTfB ^®u^ o^® ^ebcc^ 9ir9LD ^lLQ ^i
A house without an inlant is not a house> nor is a cony without
seerakam-citmmm-a real curry.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 305
3249. Sji/iS S&fresru ucsstld, ftj2/«® 0«/r6wr«D^ ^eirj^ uessruy.
The young lady is worth a small fanam, and /she requires three
fanams to adorn her tresses.
3250. Sjpi ^(^unLfth uso^ds (^^^ a_^6)/ii.
Even a small fibre may serve as a tooth-pick.
3251, S£)/^^(T^^€9}dsu9so euSstnufT^^ U(7^^^(j^^GDSu9eo eudsrru-iLCiir ?
I Will that which did not bend when small, do so when it becomes
large i
I 3252. S^ i9Glfr3etr Q^dj^ QeueirirGSSfesiu^ eBSstri/S/r^^Lct eff® eu/b^
\ The harvest of little children will never be housed.
I
3253. &jpj QuGssr miLv^esr &p((ifesiu.iufr f
Is it a small cloth worn by a little girl T
«
Learning not acquired in early life is like a cloth dyed when dirty.
3255. ^j^ lScbt ereveo/Tii Quhe iS^i(^ ^^^S".
Little fish are the prey of great fish.
The lower and higher stations in society, ate the result of each one's
I exertions.
1257, Sj;)/ ^u^etnjs c_C3)L_(u (ouq^ld ^ (f^ihQ uir Q^^sfT <3f Q&^iueuiTiT:
Q<5E/r®<i(g£i,
Those who are of inferior stature may accomplish difficult things :
the seed of the banyan is small> but the tree affords a large shade.
Learning acquired in youth, is an inscription on stone.
A prison has no apartments, a temple girl observes no relationsbipsk
20
30C UffiQm/r^.
3260. ^^(2P<sir otzI® .gj®'*®'* *^'^-
A joii|)g hJLFefing is equid to.ei^^ grown up s^vanis^
326,1.. ^p((rfj^^si^ tSieaSetrtL^LD iSm^dstrQiufT' Q^^<ss>^Sp. ue\)SiLjui u&
eSKStufT P
1^ the. child of a m^iternal aunt a, child;? Is, a Hzardvon, the rubbish
hpap a lizard f
111% refers to a speoias whose ohirp is. not regsrded io augury.
3262- SpfSl^ULD sr6ssr^S)ir iD/b/S&n'ULb seifn^eufr^
Those who have tastedi Tjeal happiiiess> will, not regaidv inferioi^
pleasures.
3263. S/bjri/6fssrir(Seufr/r (ST&r^u^ S^S^uutr,
Ifersons of lijbtle learning areajways talkative,
*
Will an extenjled coipedy beperformed, in. a. mere, hamlet?^
3265. 9p,gifr-mr ^^sfljBBf.
Moderate refection.is sweet.
3266. &p(olp^U>^SS^U^, SpOp^p/LpLJlh iBL-Ql^£uio^^U3S «l1 G)^Z_ jyii
I^itile ants. seek small ants,; big ants seek. great, one^.
Willi, tjienpse cut; off in.anger, be re8torjeid,by kughjug T*
Dot not speak, ivproachfully though provoked.
Short expressions, beautiful; expression^ ; florid; expression?, coll<
qual expressions..
TAKIL PROVEBBS. SOS
9.
3270. ^ er&rp ePtltf-Qeo (Sua^ih j^eMpiuir^^
Even a demon will not enter a house that has pooh-poohed hiin
t
3271. 9 (srmp ^triLvfSSe^ Q&'mfSfnu Q^q^ibir?
Will a dog enter a jungle that is looked down upon !
S272. 9^@sr Lj^^ ueo FF&srth.
A hasty mind is feeble.
S273. ^LLL-./r(65«(^ gj0 ^iLi^frm Q^q^ulj^ ^iSi(^ ^q^ ^uu
Does a letter-carrier, reqoire a helper, or a shoeboy employ one to^
carry his betel pouch I
1274. 905^^5 i9pim6iiLD ^e\)iE!0n^ ^ifiiue^ih.
The birth of Sita was the ruin of Lanka.
A Palli of Sipuram is ruined when dead, as well as when alive.
If the comb be concealed, will the marriage ceremony be delayed V
77, 9irmm^^& s/r^tnir^^m Q^jreBii^w uirQinir ?
Though hatched at Shrirangam, will a crow sing the praises of
Govinda?
78. 9,jrii&^flS^m(^Lj (SufrSp6u^,.^ifiu9(oe\> uirSieifiiULj.ufSlQ'SBir®^
As a man lost his wife on his way to Shtkangam*
As a- pestle was given' at Shritangam.
Qu/reo,
As one going to the shrix^e of Shrir^gftm coiiceided an ol^ jaekaliai
hisbosomi
L
af08 uifiQiLfTi^^
3281. ^^^ ^PQUff^ «D«a9/D Qs'LDQunrair eQSso (oliJQf^,
Fine gold in the hands of the unthrifty is 6( no yalue.
3282. ^/floj/r QaiLi^irg^ui 9iS^uj(S/r.
Though reduced to poverty, the virtuous are still virtuous.
«
'3283., 9X)iu{rir^ ^<^Lj Q&^iu,
Be kind to the virtuous.
3284. 9^uU!rij FFifiu^ (oumu^ &eS e^Q^imesifr ^siLQinfr?
Will a ragged cloth go to Ceylon to tie up sugar I
3285. 9<su€srLD Q^iuiu mireQSosr oQpQseo,
c Da not make merchandise of your tongue for a livelihood*
3286. ^fiweJr QufT^so Sfr^Qu-iLD (Sufnufr ?
Will fame go when life goes ?
If you write the word sugar and lick it, will it taste sweet T
'i*i
3288' ^^ jpi^iii &hffieo <3PiS^jrih,
Grief and joy ak'e a revolving wheel.
3289. ^&fB^3»(mu i9&sr ^daui ^ms^^i(^u i9im «3r«(jb.
After joy grie^ after grief joy.
32d6. '9rS^es)^ujtr6U^ Qup(o€UGi(rQih^6U^6iD^iUfr6iJjp OupGeuessrQu)^^^
We must either enjoy happiness or practise austerities.
3291. 4Fr«^65)^u Quppj^ih jifevev /S6U^es>/su Qupp^ih ^eveo.
He has neither obtained happiness, nor the fruit of austerities.
3292. ««£i euiB^/rso ^AQjasiren^uuLKSl^ ^^uih eui^ireo iS&sreuiTil
If when prosperous you rejoicfed, why draw back when advfersii
supervenes ?
TAMIL PBOVKRBS. 309
3293. ^^euirS c-L_iiLy ^Qpsn^u i9puLj.
A man of luxurious habits is an ass.
3294. miSir ^^iu^Sieo fsirS siLif-y (g/floj tu^m^^p^m j^^fi
She who was married when Venus rose, was denuded of her
marriage symbol at sunrise.
J295. <»«®/Pa/ ^iSSofrtUfruj ^Q^^Sp^.
It is the infliction of Sugriva.
»
Sugriva, a moDkey, the ally of Ramachandra.
J296. <^«i(5 ^fSvLOT^ «s^/ruJLb SL^akfTL-fr ?
Is there any decoction without dried ginger ?
297. shdS(^^ ^&sf^ QpdbSu QupQTfe^ Q^ifltLiLD iSsrrSsw ^q^g^ld.
The preciousness of children is known to her who has eaten dried
ginger and borne one.
It is oommoD when a womaa is confined, to give her a preparaiioa
f of dried giuj^er and other spices.
jB98. «^<i(5« seifru. @i— ^^C?6\) (LpdsSu iSetrSsir Quj)/6Ufrsmr ?
Will she bring forth as soon as she sees the dried gingQr I
■
699. <9r6B(^<i 6iGssrL^ ^L-^^e\> t9efrdstr Qupja^ @/fluj fBfrjrmuessrieia
As soon as the sees the dried ginger, she will bring forth a child^
and call it Suryauarayana.
The name being the expression of her jo j.
loo. <»«(5ti urri^ih QeutLt^^ ^irCopGO" metrsreir er^jpi Q6uu9sa-
€Tj£l.
Shine out brilliantly, I will give you dried ginger and arica-nut.
If taxes are heavy, even chunambu cannot be had.
Taxes and gruel become heavier by being kept.
310 • U^pQlLfTl^.
3303. ^i-.ir eQerrisfTu^^im ^mQ Cosireo ^esr^ (?d/jg^£D.
Though it may be a bright burning lamp, a spHnter is required for
raising the wick.
^8304. «»£-3so (Sj/reBTO) j^^jjiiiS e^qF^wCJSiUi^
The solemn thoughts occasioned by the funeral pyre, last till eadi
one returns home.
•'3305. ^Q^nQ Quiresf i9€ssnh ^QF^ibuir^^
The corpse that has gone to the place of incremation will not retura
3306. ^Q^fTtLQu L/etnseiDUJu ufrtri^th Qsiru^QujS fltpssdr.
The tree snake looks anxiously for the smoke of the funeral pyre.
lb is said that snakes eopj the odour of a buruing body.
3307. <9^® Q^mres)L^3i^fr3i (57/f?s9)Wj ^^esyL^^meoirubir ?
May one burst the bund of a tank in ord^ to get fried fish !
3308. ^lLl- sfUm^u tBfTtu LijriLQS(nf>u(Sufr6V,
As a dog rolls burning charcoaL
«■ I
Does the baking pan appreciate the flavour of a cake f
II » > »>
3310. ^tlt-. ^iLi^iLfm ^iLQeuQpu^ ^fS^ ^es>su jff^iLjUinr ?
Do the chatty and IcuUe know the flavour of ^urry f
Will burnt and moist earth unite ?
The price of the chundakai is a quarter of a fanam, its
three quarters of a fanam.
3313. SreSsreni^isfrdj ^erreQQev, ^frut3®@pj^ ufr^iuir, eiDeu^Sp,
urrQiufT ?
Of the food about the size of a ehundaikkaii am I to eat half
leave half I
The specUliiy or ch&rm<^^Tiea^nut and ^eta^k ia tlie cbunambu.
3315. ^^^ sSeoffi/C^tf/r® ^^^ eS€Qii(^flir^ Q^(^uy.
A clean beast ^ifl join atlMfii beast.
i««i fi
3316. «^/i^ ^as^^c^ eSff jpQ^tJbi^,
To the real hero life is a mere atraw.
No toll at a resting block.
3318. SrLDiDir ^jp/s8(nfj>tu er&sresTL^tr Q^rr^^sy^i m^irmstr^ti p
Why waste your time in cutting the rotten kal^kkai ?
By blowing the unused trumpet my uncle spoiled it.
Id ftiir weather he will not carry one kalam of gram, in foul
weather, when drenched with rain, lie carries three.
1321. si^Uiinfr (SufrSpeuSssru i9if.uuir0&jreiry ^jrtr^^iH 0rsi>e\)inh ©z—
Why seize one going along, and lie groaning all the night )
p322. SrthLDir ^Q^i^ireo Q^irj^^ ^^^ euiTL^fr S^jsrr dsnrev^ ^iLl-^
Will boiled rice ^me of itself T Gome along Chitta, tet us slrake our
legs.
t^mm^mut^
ft
Is not a marriage symbol worth half b fanom^ a gai;n to the matron
who is worth nothing ?
124. sirLamtr Sesit^di^^uifr Q^ir^^tS'eom utr^Ui f
Can one approach the feet of C^onaefaalan without effort ?
125. ^(u mirSiu ^jrikfBffGSf 3reu/rt£l mnrXifum e^ipe^tp^
He who is intent about his own affiiirs will not B&iivd the things of
God.
312 uipQic/r^.
3326. ^fiJ ^sirifluj ^FijSjresr ujrBsrS^iu ujrrrQp^m,
lutent about his own affairs, he turns from others.
3327. «/fl(5tp^ mesr^ <F/fl /st^uu^ ^ir P
Who can act so as to please a woman ?
3328. ar^TjLlcDL-. Q^^iT^ ^(Slth uthmu ufreo GUfrfrs^^La^
Curly hair will give rice, dishevelled hair will pour out milk.
3329. ^(f^^ &^ds/r^(Sufrsih ^jreifrQtJD e^^^rreo Qp^^,
When religious precepts and physical enjoyment are in harmony,
happiness is the resultant.
3330. ^n^^ (5C55 ^^f^^usuth Qp(^jpjLb ^^^^ Qi£i\ijuQu!r(T^e((m,
When the vedas, the priest and enjoyment meet together, there i
real wealth.
3331* '^s^f^u ^Q/«(^£i u<ssipu ufTiLQ'i'^ih Loessriii ^ffuSso,
The flower of a bottle-gourd is not fragrant; the song of a pariah ia
not chaste.
3332. ^eu(T^<i(^th srr^sefT S-sdaT®,
Even a wall may have ears.
3333. sfGUGSifr 6S)W^^mQsfr€mQ ^eoeaQeufr Q^^jrih <sTQ£^(S&i^
®th?
Yon must first build the wall, must you not, and then adorn it with
fig^ires ?
3334. <9r«a7/r««^pC?6U Q^friLtf^tLftii 6F/fl Q^ireifr&DL^Ui/r^ih ^ff.
In the paradise of Indra a scavenger and a Vellala of the Tondi
qo\mtry are equal. '
3335. ^euiria^^i^u QuirSipQuir^ sim^^^Seo QpiLcni^ ^u^^
When on your way to heaveD,do you carry a bimdle under your armi
3336. a^eairi^^^Qeo QuirSlpQuir^i^^ ai-s<i^(oigo jnnLif.eaftL'r r
When on your way to heaven, do you carry a spinning-wheel undrf
your arm? .
TAMIL PBOVSRBS. S13
Is one expected to take his concubine along with him to the para-
dise of ludra ?
Though God may grant a boon, the devotee in his presence will not*
3339. ^efrerrfTuLi (sr^e^frth QuirsoeoiruLj^
Every bitter sneer leads to evil.
To grill dried fish and drink toddy.
^3341. ^pp^ ^esdfliLjLCi ^evSoi) /sids^ ^eQQui ^6vSo\).
1 No cloth to wear, no bran to lick.
5342. ^pp^^pr^ ^!fi(S ®ifi ^{5^^^*
It is the beauty of friendship to be surrounded- 6?/ /ri^^n^fe.
3343. s?pp^fiLLiofnfru upcS ^(5.
Live close by your relations.
■
i344. @® «6wrz_ y^ ^®Ljuif-u9p Q&'io^ir^^
A burnt cat shuns the fire-place.
t345. (^® iS^iSp LDfTiLif.&ir eurremaj^ siLL^evnrLDfr p
Is it proper to tie the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn ?
p346. o3^iL<3F^^Qeo ^Q^iSp^ QiLtriL^Lb.
Important ends are attained by comparatively insignificant means.
i47. (^tL^fr^ (^lL<9=^ ^^gfiusir.
The great contriver who is inscrutable.
i48. c^^iJe\>^6fn^S6P <9r«5(7/>«^^rg)^ jy/t9.
Know the efficacy of mercury by the glow of health on the cheeks.
L
314 UfpOLbirifi.
The cheat is void of justice.
3350. (^^€vr Q6ifre\)Ssou9(oev^ir&a- llitQ Quhlju^.
The ox will graze in the field of the intriguing.
3351. ('^^!T€sr^^i(^ -^ifi^ ®"Su2a).
Circumspection leads not to ruin.
3352. ('<5^(g)^ Qwe^ea^ ereiH^.
It is easy to overcome an enemy by intrigue.
3353. @J57ti eUfT^LD (S&JfiSeW Q^IUtLfLb.
Gambling and boasting end in sorrow.
3354. (5<^ G9Q^L[i(pU(s\).
Desire not gambling.
3355. (^^^nQ<5uj£m ^aFfr&v^jnii uiriruufr&sr.
A stringed brahman observes the shasters.
3356. (^^^JTU uiTiSSi&iQuTso /5t^<iQ(iy&sr^
He dances like a puppet.
3357. c<3^jtf^\um8QLfi Q^fT&sTfS&sr^ er^ev/rti LLfrsf>tu^
AH under the sun is vanity.
•
33 '8. (^/fliudssri €S)^iufred Lb(Siy>p^^^Quir&>,
Like hiding the 8un with the hand.
3359. (^PiiudsN^ amrL^ ^Q^efrQuireo^
Like darkness that has seen the sun.
3360- (<^/fluj?Jssri S6SSTL-. U(oafl(Sufr(Seo £mr^ih.
It will vanish as the dew before the sun.
3361. r^f^iLj^<i(^ Qp&sr uSm^ih^frQCouirco^
Like a fire-fly before the sun.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 315
'I
The eartk is illumiBed by the fsun.
Saturn has seized thee as .the eclipse seizes the sun.
3364. (g/fltfjsir €r(L^Qj^&sr sirfiiuiii ^Q.
Form your plans before sunrise.
SJ65. cdj/flaj.g3/«0L_iu i9jr6Sfr<s'^^i(^(ifimCSesr iSmiS^ eQeniEi^
Fire-flies cLo not shine in the presence of the sun,
S366. (^fiujSssru urriT^^ fsfnu (^dso^^^Qufreo,
As the dog barked at the snn.
SJ67. (^if^iuSssri sso€Vfre\> ^t^^^^CSuirso,
Like striking the sun with a stone.
3368. (gfv/rgj tS&rsetr ^gbts^jb g^^^ Qts^[rik^Qsire(r(^u:^,
Like chula fish kiasins: each other.
8369« (gsfl (gsfl (oT&STjr^ Q<9'irpes>p^ ^^JpJ Ui6\)l^6Ufru9(S0 LbsmSsfRfTU
Qu/rQQpjSfT ?
Do you eat up the rice yourself on tlte plea of pregnancy, and put
earth into the mouth of the barren ?
'370. @ip ^t^iL^LO euiruQeotrCSeo.
Though you run round, you will have to enter by the gate.
Is a decoction of dried ginger a specific for him who has swallowed
the pestle of an oil press ?
316 utfiQubiri^.
3372. 0'3'fB^^{r^i(^Qpm(Sesr ^laQs^iDir ?
Will. conspiracy against a just administration avail I
3373. (ol<SFIEl(S3SfrS\) 6^IEI(^SU6ir ^lf}^^6iJ (S^6U&fr^
He who holds the sceptre is the triune God.
3374. Q'9'i5jQdSfri\) Qsiressr <5riBi(^LD (o'Snr^)nh,
If the sceptre turn asidf, its effect will be felt every where.
If it would not bend as a sapling, will it bend as a tree !
3376. Q<3'iL.i^i(^Lb ijCiiLif^ii(^LD Qa^mibij us^a.
The merchant and the fai'iner cherish innate hatred towards eack
other.
3377. 0<5^Llz^«(g QisuerrfremesiLD Q<3FmLLU u<s9is.
The merchant has a natural avei*sion to agriculture.
The Chetty was ruined by taking a partner, the weaver by
separating from one.
3379. O^L-if. Qufresr ^u.LCi (orevev/riii euiLi^Cb .airp uessriJb^
Wherever the merchant goes there is a discoitnt of a quarter fanam.
The merchant reduced the money, the weaver lessened the width
of the cloth.
3381. O^iLif. u&ni— Q&uev^LDfTyQcFfbj^^ ^eudsfr 6at^i(^inir ?
Can merchants disperse an aimy, can a toad inflict a wound I
3382. Q<^Ci^ SiEisfri5^iSp^'i(^cfr(S6rr utLu-essrui ujSQurrQp^,
While the Chetty is adorning himself, the city is besieged.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 317^
3883. Q^tLuf-iunQfr Q^iLi^tuffQir sr^Qt^eo, ^jtslo UGSsrerss)L- Qp^s
When I respectfully call him Chettiyar, he says that a fanam
weight of cumin is sold for three fourths of a fanam*
3384. Q<Fu.t^ effiLi^p usmiii ^(i^^Sp^, ^e\)L£ijr^^s\) Quiu ^qf^^
Wealth is in the houses of merchants, demons are in banyan trees.
8385, Q<^iLt^s&a' loitQ LbSoO <^jdl QisuLfLbir ?
Will the oxen of Chetties ascend and graze on the mountains T
o386. Q<3=iLt^{UirQir emrq^LD <y/563>^6»jL; ^LjL^<iOds/r&r^ih,
Chettiyar, come and take charge of the bazaar.
387. Q&'LLt^ss^uj SeQ Q^rrL^ir/B^^Qufre)),
As Nili-a cruel wowiaw- followed the Chetty.
'888. Q>3PLLt^i(^ ^JPf^Mi^ es)ud(mih ^^^(J^eir,
I paid the Chetty and also his bag.
I A slap for the merchant, a sword cut for the warrior.
The dead dog will bite no more.
Wh9 was ever ruined in a house whose owner was dead T
Eatth in th6 mouth of the dead, and rice in the mouth of the living.
Can a dead dow eat grass ?
« • • • •
Bie eye of the dead & u red lotQs> that of the liring a sightleik orbj.
L
318 ujpOu5/r^.
3395. Q^^^t9&fr erCjutf-u Qurr^^ih ermesr ?
No matter what becomes of one after his death T
3396. Q^^^eum ^Sso QipiQ^i ^q^fB^friso ei^esr QiupQs g)(gi
What matters it whether the head of a corpse be towards the ett\,
or west ?
Most Hmdfis, and some Native Christians even, are very partioalar
about the position in which they lie down to sleep. The head should
be towards the south. The north is the region of Yama. The west
is avoided because the person so lying down may not rise again.
3397. O^^^ iSessr^^sv eiesii— ^^pqtfh^f^ e^^etirr^GU^,
He that does not help his fhends or relations is worse than acorpse.
3398. Q^^^ ^® arrpuesifru^ <9r63)LD,^ue9 (tpdiSfrrb uessrii^^
The dead sheep is worth a quarter of a fanam, and three fourthS'Ol
a fanam are required to remove it.
3399.' Q^^^ iQ6m^(5!D^'3F s^pjQ^ ^fii^irpQurrev,
As they walk round a corpse.
This may refer to the custom of a relative going romid a co
three times at the place of incremation.
Qufreo,
As the survivor took the wife of the deceased.
3401. Q<9'^^ Uif to63>zj ^LL®®(i5?€ir.
He is charming a dead snake.
M02. Q<9'^^(^<Sir m^fQO&> QeapjffSso ufri(^s Q^tr®^^ ^thuififj^
Like putting betel and arfca^nut into the hands of the dead.
The giving of betel and nut is one of the macriago otremonids-
h knife that will iD^ot cut a> dtod: cow, wiUeuta^bU^tedbmjaL
TAMIL FROVEBBS. 519
3404. Q<9'^^ Ui/rthLj <3r^p ed(f^QpQ's ^^^d^ mtr&sr lo'tiLQl^^ er&r
As if oue^ should say> aunt, I wiU not, the dead anake comes to< coil
round my leg.
U%, Q<sF^fi i9Gssr^^'i(^ ^■(f^(o'<3s g)W?<F ^fr(^w iSessrm ^apSp^.
Those who will hereafter die weep by the body of the deceased.
3406. 0«F^^ i9iGm^^6b(^^ Aessp (ciT^y SeuSeu. ^€i!srt^i(mu Ou^essr
Why an eye to the corpse, why a wife ta the- Saiva mendicant !
1407. Os^^^^red Q<sfftLitJb Q^iLif-tuirir eurrtpsif^
The wealth of the Chetty will be known after death.
|408, Q<TULM^ eQ^isn^ eruui^^ Q<^djS(nf'(5sr f^
How dexterously he juggles ?
p409. 0<FiJt9^ 60 /r<i (ggL«g5 ^uufTu utLi—LLfr ?
Is the tiile of Appascdtedtoa family that possesses^tiabraei^ utensik?
IttO. O^uLjlh U/B^Lb (Suir€))^
like a. box and^ a ball.
■^— •■•"
ill. Q^ihuffw uir^iS^/^ff-^ Quiui^ QupQym uyirissfriLu,fr€ir iSir
Men at ChamperiazQf)^um get a. na<nei, thos^ at Mangadoo giek
water;
112. Q',<3'LDUireo jijis^^ps dm^&rm QAiri^irm^^
He will not give evea, a ooppei^ ooin^
Black, wood* is^ stronger than red;
Copper utensils. boing introdu^ed^ th^ potter. removes^
The sheepaa. without, the thievish i wolf is /^tWn^
L
S20 u'lfi^QiDirifi.
3416. O^ojQpetreir lliLQld utum ^i»Sso,
While successful he knows no fear.
3417. Q^tu^ eSSssr Q^ajjS6Uird(^ eriu^CSlih,
Every man's actions will cleave to him.
3418. Q^iu^!riri(^6= Q^ujgu^ Q€F^^t9p(Sdsir p
Is it after death that benefits are to be requited f
3419. O^djiLjCb O/SfTifie)) €r(S^e\)fnh SHr^iSu ufriTdsSs\) QisibiLjin
When all occupations are duly weighed, that of weaving will appear
unequalled.
3420* Q<ydj6Q2ssr ^(^/B^^ Q'3'dj,
Do well, what you have to do.
like giving a horse in compensation, to one who has been slippered
3422. O^0L/L/<i(^ ^^^fTJTlh ^(TJiijL/.
The earnest paid for shoes is a straw.
3423* Q<3=(n^ui3leir ^q^^siin QeuuSeQso O^fitLfiD QmQ^ut9Ar ^qf^&s)il
The value of shoes is appreciated when the sun is hot, the value of
fire is known when the weather is cold.
3424. Q^Q^uLfisirsi dsnrSso^ ^/SsQp^ir f
Is the foot to be cut off to try on the shoe T I
Is it for the feet or head, that one buys shoes f '
3426* Q^eoeQp (^€S)pmfi eujreuir^eo Q&=LLLJu®Sp^ eruutf- f
If expenses exceed income how can one thrive ?
>3427. (ol6=eoe^ ^^sih eujre^ Quir^ir^^
Expenses exceed the income*
J
TAMIL PROVEKBS. 321
3428. Q^iuiLiih erssr^CS^ eresri^ gjjremCS erGstQp^.
On my saying do it, he replies give me Wo.
Like ornamentation that costs nothing.
3130. 0«3F6oC?6i;/r® 0<F6Ua/ sm^su Qufrt^i(^<i ^trp ueasrth,
A quarter fanam for swedt scented powder, over and above the
I expenses already incurred.
3431. Q6'soe\)Lb Q&'irsi)^i(^ .^<^<3i^LLnr ?
Will a spoiled child fear rebuke T
3132. 0<Feo6VLb a'jpimt^^rr enfr^put^ eiS(T£i(mfiir ?
Does indulgence cause you to slip, or are the door-steps slippery I
1433. O^FcveVL/ t9Gfrdsnr ffSso ^L^fr^rrLo iBerrSsfr Qu^^iu^iLQu^.
A spoiled child will not pot on clothes till it becomes a mother.
A coin not current is always so.
^435. QiS'ev^ih «/r<gf«^ euiLi^ii^ s_^i-/r ?
What discount for current cash?
1436. Q<SFev^th Q<3'6ve\)ir^^s(^<3^ Q^LLtf-iutrir ^Qi^iSQr^ir^
There is a Chetty who can say whether the coin is current or not.
137. Q^a^eveuih ujrtXieisrL^cOLD Qi^evevrr^^ ereoevir LaaifrL^eo^d^ih
Wealth goes anywhither but to heaven.
In time of prosperity there is exertion and power.
8439. Q<F^a/ii Q<5=(T^dS(y^S^p^ mir3^i(Q eisi^ ^euSsO.
He is proud of^his wealththough he has not means to obtain a cash.
21
L
322 u ^Q iBfT ^,*
On giving, wealth diminislies,. will learning also so diminish T
3441. O^^a/ii G)«5^(75<i(g®oir/D|^ ei^ffmpoui^ eu(Lp<i(^S^p.^,
Wealth m^Jces ope. piroud, the door-steps are slippery.
3442. Q^<so€i}(ri(^ ^iPdS O&^QpdaSSsfr flfrmi(s^^e)>.
It i& an hpnpr to thie wealthy to protect their relatives.
The wealtjiyfeaj? up. orders, the hiero is npt afraid, of war.
3444. Q^eae^Ui /i^Ssv?a3^6v,. Qa^il^t^m Sifi ^X5»
Weajll^ ii^ iipperm^i^t,, live in snbjiection to sk superior.
I -jj I I'li.j.
344»5. Qs^eSu.m mjr^<s\> &iik^ ^^6s^^Qu/re\),
LikQ blpwing. g^, comch< ip the ear of the deaf;
3446.. Qs^eBi^^ULb (^Q^u-^jLb ek.^^Lj ua-ir^.^fTfiQuire^,
As. the deaf apd; thp~blin4 atteuded a». comedy..
As. t}ie^ d^^f listienQd; to a i|png».
If Qpe. is. dl^af: i£k hp i^pt dumb« al^o ?
3449. Q<sF,G!no^ (^0Lf-^i(^<i fSBsm. S69>u.^^^(Sufr€^,
As. one born, bli|id. obtained hia sight,
3450. G)<5P:6ir/D, mtrXiiu^si^^Cj Uirir^^ ©/(^li ^frif^tu^stn^ -jyv^-
Learn; t}ip future, b^ Ipoking s^fr; t}4pgs , past> ,
Lemming distinguishes one whithersoevw he goes.
*^'^'-'^ -'y ' ■
TAMIL PROVERBS.
3452. (S&'fl i8SeveBjD(^u y,fliii ffl/fii^gio,
A demon laughs at malevolent thoughta.
3153. Q^LdLj QsiriLHUS' S/bpiHeu/retr ^eir ?
Why a small sickle to gather ch^mbu greeDsT
If too near even a shrub-a worthless fellow-is an enemy, ii distant:
even a scavenger is a friend.
S455. (?<F/f?/— ii ji/jS/E^ Q^ir,
Associate with the agreeable.
M56. (S^lBlLllh SaL(T^Ui QdrC^^QplO 'Bi^eSiLfLO.
A hamlet, a country, wealth and learning.
3457. (o^irsedi)^ eurr^SstfTiUfr ^iup<5Si&i eurr^dssnuir ?
Is the habit natural or acq^uired !
3458. (?<5F/r/5,^6W/r erekujp ^_/r/5^ ^jSi^^^.
Regard those as friends whose sincerity has been carefully testedl.
Though one wear cloth upon cloth, and is able to dance like a
celestial, she is not to be desired if she can press a style on a
palm leaf, i. e., if she ca/w write.
A strong dissuasiTe against femiale edtioatiou. The provarb is^
nevertheless in liarmony with the sentiments of the majority of Hiar-
dcm who ha?e received high edaoation in English*
■■ • ■ ■ '
13460. (o<Fp/SCSe\) Lfssi^/B^ ^(ksretDjpi mifSQpLa (^iLQld,
Even a. crow will peck an elephant when it is in the mud* .
As the water-lily blossoms in mud..
Like a pole set up ia mud. .
S463. (o^pjSCSeo Slu.iSp erQ^(ss)LbioS)Uj^ ^r3S(^6Ufr&ff' ;^ek?
Why lift up the buffalo that wallows in the mire T
•B464* Q^'pQifio <oT®^fB Sreuir,
A wall of mud.
Are honorary diatiuctions bestowed ou ,an army, or on its leader ?
S466. 63)<s^«o<fl5 ^fSiuirHr ^pj^Cn ^^oj/r/r.
Those who cannot. iake a hint know nothing.
The cook of the vegetariiA Miittaiya of the Modelly caste, i» «
pariah mendicant.
• • . ,
The size of the chatty is enough for the Chetty's attendant.
The gttkne of dralights is ruinous.
5^470. Q^fT'iLeinL^eun'Sefri @^^ Quireo.
Like the young of a chottai v^lai fish. .
Even the l^le th had been cast aside as useless, is again serving
outricte.
TAMIL PROVERBS. S25
J172. 0<r/r6US\5«F Q^rreoetou utLif. Ouasrdsi^LJ QuskrSesvru QupQif&r^
Though again and again forbidden, Patti-a struyrvpeUhvoxx^i forth
only daughters.
3173. Q&'fre\)e\)<F Q<Tireo6\) ldiLi^ LDciffSsam^ ^mSiQi^esr,
r
Though frequently forbidden, Matti-a/oo?-eats earth.
3474. Q^ire^&iirineM ^(T^iQpeuQesr UGkfrtf-^s&fr,
He Teho is of few words is a pundit.
3175. 0<F/r6b6fl<F Os'ttjeunrir S/nKoiutrn-^ Q^fr6\)0OrrLLib O^ojearrnr Qujf
Qimrir^ Q^ire\)s8tLiLD O&'iuujrrnr sujsuir^
Inferiors may keep their word, the great do a thing without,
promising, but the wicked act not even after making a promise.
3476. 0<flp/r^6i9« QiXrrQ^^ Q^ireo^u^ siLtf-i Qs^rrQ^S Q^tr^uy.
How long will the Words put into one's mouth, and the rice tied up>
for a journey avail us I
3477. Q^freo^Spjp ^m^ Q^sFfuSpj^ gjsir^.
Saying one thing, and doing another. .
3478. Q<^frs))^'i:^th QufrQ^^'i(^ih eriLL^/r^frm (S.6'rr^ai(^uy iFir^A
He whom neither language nor wealth can influence, has com^
between God and man.
A word uttered may bring wealth ajs well as ruin.
3480, G)^/rQ)j^ii Qu!TQ^(St^LD Q^ir&ff^u^ ^soeQ,
Learning is conversant with words and things.
3481. Q<3Ffrdo €uei)€odssr Q^iJS06»€\) m^^.
I It is difficult to overcome the eloquent.
|. .^ .... "Tt: — 'y
3482. 'Oir/rff0€i/6i(rii) ^eoeoir mp^esi^ Q^fcoeBio j^^Qsu .^irisetn^,
A good story ihadly told> aodn loses its effect
^26 uipQwir^^
I Saying is easy, but doing is difficult.
3484. Q<ffrs\^<^j^ ^Qeo3r QfaFujeiijp ^eoeoearr i9jnufr<Fth ?
It is easy to profess, but difficult to perform, is it not f
No matter what othera say, have notthose wLo hear, senae to judge
for themselves I
3486. Q<F/r/r9/5^ Q^iuir^ (oremQGssnLjw uBi^ ^u.rr^ Q^'irjutL
UiTlfi.
Oil applied without rubbing the hei^, and boiled rice given with
ill-will, are useless.
3487. Q^'frfSiuiriB ^eudsfru^ih QeuiLe^L- ^QSpfliru^,
It is said that even toads go a hunting.
■ II
3488. QeFirpQui'^si^'iLju^ Q^mrrm sf^ajLj^^iLim ^svSso.
He has no sense, he will not listen to advice.
' ■■ .1
^489. Q^irpfSpus ^jh-pio app6Uffji(^ ^ifi(S''
It becomes the learned to explain the force of words.
The parrot will utter what it is taughU
Say what you are told, you senseless, deformed wretch.
Neglecting what you were told to do, you pull up the beans.
If you do not do as I $ay, I will make an afferiag ^ ewrth.
Addressed to a demon when during hia qui.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 827
3194. Q'ffr&fr^so Q^iL^LD ^Qp^ireo j^i^th.
It is shameful to tell it, and painAil to weep oVer it.
As regards rice, he is famishing, but it Would be a fault to say so.
3196. Q^trCbuso ^&)soir;i Q^ffj^eo Q^tr^^ ^&)e\jfr^ ^^sm.
Untiring service is reliable help.
Indolence leads to poverty, inaction to ignorance*
3198. (?^/r(iu(?toU Q^irj^ ^<^€9)tni{^u S/srr.,
Indolence is the parent of want.
3499. Q^n^ui(Suj6l<i(^ &in'<ixiy^uutpih Q^jrQ^frQi^^
The sluggard eats his plantain, sTdn and all.
|3500. Q^frffiLDeiifrL.€\)(SLtir {^^m^i^eoQilirr P
I Is it the realm of Chola^ or the realm of deceit !
3501. Q<3F/reifl<s^ujLJ iSQisSdi Qsrr^ifrL-fr tS^es)^ (ouir(pSlp^ P
Is it after snatching away his bag one gives alms to a beggar ?
What can rice effect I whatever you like.
3'503. (S^fT^ ©/5^(g)sv Qurrj£iisia6\)ftjh^ stSssitr 9/B0^eo Quir^i^
If rice be spilt it may be picked up, but if one loses his sense of
honour can he recover that }
e\)frtiitr ?
If rice b^ spilt it may be picked up, oen water i .
328 ..uifiQiDfr^.
3505. (S'SFirpjS(Se\) 8u,i3p «cu mCBMimriLi^ir^eu^sf qps^km
Can he who would not pick a stone out of the rice, lift up the stone
lintel of a temple gateway I
3506. Q^irp/S^k ^(f^i^ «^ eTL^rr^su^ (S^pj6ls\) QL.iQp flj
Can he who will not pick a stone out of his rice, lift a buffalo out of
the mud ?
Thou dog, greedy of boiled rice, come to the January ox-festivaL
3508. Q^n-p^dS(^ ^svsofT^ y^^GsSi^irdj ujb^eQCSev ^iLt^ .gL.
Of what use is a pumpkin which will not be available for food, is it
to be suspended to a pandal swing ?
The blind that came drawn by the smell of rice*
5510. Q^irpjpii(^i (o^Qth ^tjSi(^u ufrjrQpunnu ^(5«®(5'^.
He is a waste of rice, he is a burden to the earth.
3511. (S^irp^Dpi Q^irQ^^ss tsap^em^ ^^^QpiBn ?
What, to cut one's throat after giving rice I
3512. 0<5F6Tr/f?(U£i (Su(S<9^&),
Boast not of your streAgth.
3513. ^rrusu^ g)6i)Sso zr^^jpi ereu^th Q^tre^&j/r&fr, ^/r«rtb ^^SiO
Any may say I have forgotten, none says I haye no sense.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 329
3514. ^iriuu iSi'jn£!remiJD ^e^ev/r^ (^(Wj^dFeyr effessfr.
Teachers without moral rules are vain.
3515. ^fresTQpui aeoifsStLfth isfri^ ^fBQu9Q€\),
Wisdom and learning are contHined in a measure of rice.
3516. ^ff^vih creocv/rub gi^/^j (ipL.eff)u.y ceutfii srffoeviruy €^q^ Qdt.T
Collective wisdom is a bundle, and the whole world a fort.
5')17. ^rresTLb ^eDeoir^ (o<sFajirdB&r MsQ&xr ^esrjjS^u^ ^^%Lbi\)'oO,
ignorant children, are not better than calves.
3518. ^iresTLD ^^sr^s^/stLjth sssr^iSD^iLiLCi Q^rr(S<S(mLo,
Wisdom gives wealth and honour.
^3519 ^n'<ssfli(^, ^e\)Sso ^mu(y:itJD ^&n-UQpijD,
The wise are not aflfected by pleasure and pain. .
. ^/r€sf}<S(^ih npL^^i(if^Lb ^ik^fT^^La ^a)&o,
A wise man and a fool do not associate.
o52l. ^muu&tr OwtLcf-ssr SlGstfrQp&sr^ ^^Stpfriu eBQ^fsuiTirmsfTfr ?
L Will the}' fall headlong into the well because their father dug it I
What was given to th^ father, will be eniailed on his first-born.
Whilst the father is without waist-cloth, his son, it is said, asked
him to spread cloth on the ground to walk on as far as Tanjore.
5524. ^^LJuSssri Qsirmp ufreuih u^tTLSuJirir eff^iLi^eo MjPf u^tT^s^La
The murder of a father mhy be expiated by residing for six months
in the house of one's moth,er*in-law.
330 ULpUinfTj^. -
The Hiados account it dUgracaful in a soQ*io-Iav to Ii?e in the
house of a mother-in-law at her expense, fiharata when eDum^rat-
ing the vanous sins he wonld be guilty of, if be coTeted the thruueof
his elder brother Ri^ma, mentions this as one.
3 '25. ^<3suU(sk ULLu-ih t965rS5Tnr«g ^sv^&jrr P
The title of the father descends to the son, does it not !
The father acquires wealth, the son destroys it.
3527. ^^Lju<sk uiLu^^etn^u iSeirSsrriQ^ ^iL,if.^(SO fl^uu&tF ^ir^
If the title of the father descend to the son, the father roust pros-
trate himself before him, must he not f
3528. ^<i(S<sfr6sr ere^r^ ^iB,
So live as to be reputed a deserving man.
3529. ^lEJ^Qpi^ (^iLif-^^th ^^lEJ^etr (^essTLD 6Su.frir ss^l^it.
Though crowned with gold, the base will not abandon their natii
dispositions.
3 '30. ^iEi<3Ba= (^if]'i<3B^^Qajeirj;)f ^jry^^i OmfTetTeneotrinir ?
May one cut himself with a knife because it is made of gold !
3531. ^iB^^^^i (^eSiSQp&fr er<ssT(yy^Lby ^&sf lj^^ . sQSlSp,
Though I protnised to give a heap of gold, he persisted in
own ideas.
3332. fihda^^&r JifSUULLu-fT^u^ Ovists fbj)irefr ^suuu-fr^.
Though gold-dust is procurable, brick-dust is not,
3533. ^iEis5^€s>^ ^Q^dsS eQiLL^^Qufreo,
As fine gold was melted and poured out.
Gold scattered on the ground, hran in an earthen vesseli
TAMIL PROVERBS. 331
3535. /Bm^ih LjL^fi^^ saeuisuULLt^ir^ih ^sir iSpui Qutrmfr^,
Though gold is put mto ihe fire to be refiaed> its hue is aot lost.
Gold scattered on the ^ound, aud a cash*worth of lemons placed
on the swinging tray.
3)37. ^iiSLb srscsviTiii ^6QiL®i(^ unT^Sp^^
To exchange all his gold for bran.
3588, fiiassy^^S i9etTdotr ^<ssf iScirSsrr^g)^ fhsa^^k(^u Qufr&jrr&fr
If the child of his sister be his, why go to perform penance !
3l-39* /se9}<^ 6iGmQ <s^^ /5/n.(?^a0rOu>.
The knife should be applied where there is flesh.
Ill I ■
3)40. ^^^<^ Qu&kfT^fT^ ^siD(ru9Co&), Qsfre))e\)^ Qussst^'it^ Q^ituS
The wife of the carpenter is on the floor, and the wif^ of the smith
is on the branch of a tree.
What if the wife of the carpenter is bereaved of her husband ?
what if the wife <)f the smith is deprived of her hire. I
I ... — — — . ' . .
Will curds be found in the house of a carpenter^ or boiled rice in
that of a niggard I -
f
$543. fs&^m ^iLuf^io ufrpQia^irpssip iB^^trQ^ QsuerremrGmr,
O I Vellala do not long for the rice and milk in a carpenter's house.
1544, fl<3F<SFm juLf^^^ flSoOsu/rs'eo &rs\)evfrLD ^<fSu9s)) ^zjl«^ e_6\)/r
I walked fibout in all the entrances where the cai*penter had put up
Untels, knocking my l^ead against them.
332 utfiQuifri^.
3545. /»<g5«^ii creir^ eu.i^euS&sr ok^Q^aso j^^e/t^.
To cheat one that has come for protection is bad.
3546. fiL-sBu i9u^im muSir ^evSso ^suerr Quiufr ak-i'^eoLpSl,
Not a hair to be felt ; yet her name is the tressed beauty.
3147. ^t^eSu i9t^asd5 62o<s ^^uSso ^eum Quiuir 0<!F6mfl(iJLJ Suj
He has no hand to feel and seize any thing, his name is the notori
ously strong.
3548. ,*^ Gr(S}^^/re\) €re\)€vnrih QentLes^L^i ^frjrir^
All are huntsmen who take up sticks.
3549. ^9-«(g LS(^S&ir lBu.it, ;
A water pot too strong to be broken by a stick.
3550. ^^<ig jy@5ffl« (g/r/B7(g ^i^ssr^Qu/nso,
Like a monkey dancing for fear of the stick.
3551. ^t^'i{^ i3i(^iB^ LSL^ireufTi^eo erekesr Q^s-iuiuevfrtlt ?
If the pot is too strong for the stick, what can be done T
3552. ^Cu-fT^ ^Tiuu QufT&iT^^LD LbtruQu/r&r erQuu/rGa-,
A goldsmith will pilfer the gold-dust even of his molfcer.
3553. /BiLi—ir^LD Q^-iLt^iLjit^ sessr a=L-tf.u-jLD ufrdesTtLjih meisr.
The goldsmith and the Chetty have each two eyes, the chatty
the pot are of earth.
Like the goldsmith and the merchant.
3555, fltLL.frSsifrd' Qa^frns^ fi^^^.
The fool-hardy who associated with the goldsmith.
3556. ^L-L^fT^ jsn-ffiu up/b^ff&o ^uufrms^) insntfi €i/0£2>.
If a butterfly flies low, it is sure to rain.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 833
■ ■ •
3557. ^ilL^fTjT^ S^^ fljjS^S^^ euessr^sr^ S^^i(^ eujr^r^.
The tricks of a goldsmith and of a weaver, are not equal to those of
a washerman.
3558. ^LLL-./r63f?L-^^^ ^q^^Sip^y ^e\)e\)^i (^Ltn9(£i^iLi^uQisi> ^q^
It is either in the possession of the goldsmith, or in his vessel.
3559. ^tLt^u Quareurr/T ^s\)s\)frsQiLu.jr/rs\) ^u^i9 ^ekri^u t9jr^em
When there is none to contradict tambi is very fierce. ,
' Tambi^^a younger brother, is often used in a friendly way, when ad-
dressing a junior.
3560. ^GsoHfs^ eOev^^flirek es)fiBi(^u^,
It is the bent bow that will shoot.
3o6l. ^mrtf-Qso QufT^e^ ^jressre^eo ^&srjpi.
When you go into the army, one of two-ii/fe or death, .
3562. ^SSSTUf-p QufT^SO ^JTL-l^ULj^ ^ihuCtTih,
Double remuneration to those who go into the army.
3563. ^eiffQ ^eSfT^ ^2^0 gyoeir^ <i^^T ^L^rr inis^fi^
The arai plant, 0 minister, has one stalk and three leaves.
3564. ^emsst^fieo ^Q^^Slp fieuSstr (^[f-^^6s>^i s0ssru.fi irir (^to-tufrfi
Who knows whether tl)6 frog in the water drinks, or that it does not
drink !
Althongh cold water be heated, it will quench fire.
3566. fiessTGsJfBQeo ^Ssamfi ^^ui^fi- fiesur^ssilrf^Qso e5es)muQeiJ€SdiQ to.
Salt produced from water, must be dissolved in. water.
t'3567. fBcares^iHio ^^OpikSieff QptLetai^. ^ul/u Quiri^i SsrriiiLfUi,
An egg submerged in water wiU float> if salt be put upon it.
334
jtpQmtr ^,
3568. fiessT&s^d^Cb (yeir^ ^^ffi Quirj^m^La^
Even water will forgive a fault three times.
Referring to a person who rises to the sAffciee thi'ee times sfter
iiaving fallen into deep water.
■ ■ ■ ■
3569. fBessfssdTfir (g/p.^/» euu9j;i/ih 0^«frC?g)Sso ^i^t— str^ib ^S,'
The belly that baa taken in water, and the aperture in the ear that|
has received a circlet of ola, are alike-cacA enlarges as pressed.
May one abuse water, or one's mother 7
He says that the frog, will bite him, if he descends into the watei
3572, fiB€6sr&p^if]e\) S)(3^^P ^sdZsir^^iu^ ^anrruSeo €t®^j^ eOiLt^
Quireo,
Like turning out, on dry land, a frog that lives in the water.
3573. ^Gssrss^iPieo ^pi^eufD^u^ ^irffiroj^^eo ^pi^euir ^^<S£i>.
The number drowned in alcohol, is in excess of those drowned
water.
3>574. fiGssrssJf^QiP^io Q'srruQpCb ^frtpi^ ^u.^^Q&>,
Water and anger seek lovf-persons or places,
3575. /S^^^euLD ^/S/h^euek ^enQ,
He is an ascetic who understands the philosophy of nature.
3576. fiiBes)^ Qi3F/reo lS<3s<x LLmQjru^ ^^Sso,
There is no mantra superior to one's father's advioe*
i'yll, /i5ut9e\) ^ssreu&sr s-uiQQ^v Quit®.
Put the illegitimate in salt.
3578. fiuesiu ^t^^^6ue!fr fSir^eisr^^fkii^ ^se^cstsu&sf ^essrt^,
A Yaisbnava mendicant beata ad^(m^a]ld:a.SaiTamMdicant
a conch.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 335
In learuiog two^ in austerities one.
Oae's own kin will preserve one, a hedge will guard a crop.
3581. ^ibiS sfrev fSGnL^tiSQev Qu<3'<3^lj usveoiSCSev,
My younger brother is on foot, and his talk is in a palanquin.
See proverb 3559.
The sayings of the j'oung man must be written on water.
©583. ^iJbi3 i9if.^^<s (Wiuej^di(^ npssfQp «flB/r^,
\ The hare my younger brother caught, has only three legs.
^'')8l. ^/ii9 QmrrsiifrL-^ e'Qp^QjjLttQun^,
The water my younger brother drew, is like a sea.
5. ^ixti9^ &^(Lpeurr(sk Qlll^ <sTLLi—!r^,
My younger brother caa plough, but he cannot reach the handle
of the plough.
586. ^Iin9 t9p^<3S^ ^eSilTLbLLL^LCi ^u9/bjs^;
As soon as my younger brother was born, the house was levelled
to the earth. *
My younger brother is very clever, he can. drink a kalam of kanji^
without salt.
588. ^tin9 Q^irp£)ii<^£F- @(vya/ffrf? Q(su2si>.i(^ ^frjr/rsui^.
My brother i&,like a whirlwind, as a rice consumer, but very tardy
at work.
Th-e chiit^ supports the curds, and the curds the chatty.
33(J . UffiQmnrifi,
3590. ^u9iTu urrSssrssiOJ a-«D£-^^«i ^ir^^i^m(^ ^QfiJP ^^^^P
(Surre\),
Like breaking the vessel that contained the curds, and feeding the
crows.
Will you receive by little and little what I oive, or shall I bathe
my head and begone ?
3592. ^d^u^^esy^u UfTULD Qeus\)eon'^.
Vice will not conquer virtue.
3593* ^Q^u^tjb ^Ssos/ri(^ih /^SsoewuJ U}u9ir «/r«(gj£i.
Charity preserves the head, and the head the hair,
%
3594. ^(TUbQin ^S50«/r«(^iz).
Charity guards the head.
The measure of the head or foot is not wanted, you fellow, m(
the cloth across.
3596. ^Sso ^(f^iSp ^u.^^<s\> ^Q£^^ qjjtiLQld ufnr<i^d Q^iri
We will attend to the matter when the neck takes the place of
head.
"3597. ^Sso ^(5«« 6i//r^ ^Qmrr ?
Will the tail wag as long as the head exists f
3598, ^^Sso ^ifLtL^LD ^irdj^&'s^LCi fl&sri^ wi^ir^ OfifitLith^
When overcome by them, one learns what head-ache and fever
3599, i^SsO ^l^lLfLEi iSFElSL^QpiD ^6^i(^ eHJfS^lSGfT Q^fflLJlD,
Head-ache and trouble are understood when actually expenen(
J
TAMIL F^OVSRBS. 337
S600* fi^ ^ng^^fi js2eocs)Uj^ Qennr^fifrp (oUfr(^tLfr ?
Can you efface the letters of destiny, written on the skull, by
shaving the head ?
They call the writing on the head, Ari-Fi^T^^i^-it is not that,
3602. ^2ko Sififnu ^q^ib^ ^suar Q^vu^tr^u^ ah.Q3p sireom^ir&sv
Though one perform severe austerities, standing on the head, a thing
i cannot be attained before the destined time.
eresfeitr ?
^ When the water flows over your head, what matters it whether it
; is a span or a cubit ?
In either case death is inevitable without help.
''' One is greater than the other, there is no rice to cook.
1605. ^S50«(25/i /^Sso fsfnumw.
Each aims to be the head.
)06. fi2soi(^ (ifitf.(Siufr mir^i^ Qpi^Qiuir p
Is it the head or the foot that is crowned J
107. fi2eoi(^ t^jS^eo ^mk(g^^ Q^fiiLjih.
If it ascend to the head, he will feel it.
|G08. ^260 Q^irjSuji QsirerreS flirQesr Q^t^iQsrreifrL^frtu.
You yourself have procured a firebrand to scratch your head.
J09. flSsos^^^ £96n-Sfff-««/r/fl«g gjesii^^^^ iS^SsffismB u^a^^^
The mother of a second child is midwife to the motber of a first
child.
22
L
It is, said that the mother of a first child; gave advice to the mother
of tv second, cliild,
3611. ^SiO££)TLL^/D(^5<i Q^irefT&fl ^rrQesr Q^i^iQsiremi^irij,
Youyourself have procured a firebrand for the head of your bed.
3612. ^^Qpe^p flSsi)(Lp€iDpujfnu Qi£ijfLLmi^y ^(snetr Quujir <r.«^»),
Bald from generation to generations and yet called the. miltron ofj
beautiful tresses..
3:613. ^iSso QinQey j^fib^Lj u/D^^/rjy/zi i8Ssou9p i9iflfuso\jif^sfr^.
It is not good tp move when arrow? are flying, though averhead
Do^ a head Cixist above the head ?
3615. i«,Sa) Qu^Qe>^, ^t^^^ir^m ^ff^ (^(ot^iiJfTssr^
Thpugh.his h^ad strikes f^ lintelyhQ wiU npt stoop^
»'■ .
36i6. ^dsdiUfrQeii mSso, iRstruuir&sr^
He oanepUt a. mountain with, a blow (/his head.
.^617. /ffSsOttSeo <orQ£.^ ^(T^m,s^ ^m^jr^^e\) Q6uso.e\)e\)frL£ifr ?'
Wh^n destiny is written on the skull, can you av,ert it:by artifice
Writing oa the lle^d is. another fprm of expression for destiny
ftfte, which is supposed to be written on the skull of every individ
born into tlie worlds, Hence th^ Sanscrit pro irevb, Kapala, Kap&
!glapala mdla. " The skull, the skull, the skull is the root of all-
I^apala in Sanscrit means skull. The mundaue hintory of ftU >
determined by the actions of , a former state of existence. Tbi
is one of the most prevalent doctrines of the Hindus. A nuft
eats the fruit of his doings, not in our sense as the same iudindua
being, but as the same res|)onsible agent who has previously beenoi
the stage. .
" Actions doner whether good or bad, must of necessity be eatei
if not, they will Apt. vr^ar away in millions of ages." Smrith
I
J
, TAMIL PROVERBS. 339
The preordinationd of Brahma, as supposed to be writtea on the
skull, are regulated bj the actions of former births. An elaborate
shaster on this subject was published in Cakutta upwards of forty
years ago by a Native gentleman, a Rajah of great learning.
3618. ^SsoaSso euQ^ih LDtuis^th a'Q^eu Lbtuas^tii,
When the head is crazed, all is wrong.
f Be will learn to stoop when the ZiM^eZ strikes his head.
620. /SSsOtty/i ^SsOtLfLb 0LJ/r(T5 jS)/g)6V mSsoiLjLD 6ui^ QufT^sr^th,
When one head fights with another, the mountains will come to
bear them up*
I
i
I
»621, ^SsOgWttJ IB^SSf^^ ^<3r3t^^ m^^lLjLD emSil^^^^^Sr^^
The head has been already wet, the razor has been already applied.
That which wotdd. have gone with, the; head has gone with the
turban.
While the general is.firtn his army is.so, but if the chief is per-
plexed, all are so.
Asif one changed his pillow to cure head-ache^
Obey your superior, deviate not from the path of rectitude^
p6. js2soQ'oiJLLtf.^ <SF(ip^^jr(ouyp (oUjru.6Vfrinfr ?
I May the head be severed and put on the sea ?
i
b7. fieuCSa^ jy«a(fl«6V€8r^ ^irijpissiiiiQaj QmekGDin^
Austerity is an ornament, humility is honourable..
840 utpQiLfTifi.
The toad living near the lotus drinks not its honey, the iUiteratp
though they live near the learned remain ignorant.
3629. ^euSofT fieisr (sutnurr/b QsQih,
The frog perishes by its own mouth.
3630. ^^® 0eiru6ij2ssr jifQp^ ^mesrs" O^irm^pQuirc)),
Like requesting one who eats bran to feed on ambrosia.
3631. ^wi® ^^ueii2ssr (oTdsafremh ssa^^ Qa'irSsr^pQutrfSi),
Like telling one who is eating bran to blow a trumpet.
i — u, — r ■? -i
3632. ^sQiLesiL^ fBihi9u (vUfra<s' s^Cciuir ^^Qmiu minu Q^&iressr® Glj^
When ahe went out in expectation of fetching blran, her samba rice
was carried off by a dog.,
3633. ^€QiL\S}i(^ eu/B^ 69)<fl5 ^esr^^ds^LD ew^zi.
The hand that is I'eady to steal bran will be ready to steal money
also.
(A. flourishing tree has shade, k Wonlan who has fedently borne
child, has milk.
Why opeii it gently again and again, wheii 1 ^m llyihg to bolt
door?
3636. js&sri(^xj i9pf6/si9GirSsir ^sQtLQii^ ^(ipSp^irih lisajririr tSsil
While his own child cries for bran, he is conducting the nuptials
his neighbour's child.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 341
lUfTih.
When uncertain regarding his means, he promises a double allow-
ance to his betel-pouch bearer.
Touching one's own comfort a bald head, in respect to others
luxuriant hair, is preferable.
3639. ;S€sri(^ iB^Qesr^ ^Hrwih.
That which 'is left belongs to charity.
One must not be unconcerned, when there is no rice for his dog.
If one speaks to a dog, it will jump expecting to get something.
3642, ^63r<5B(<5 ^dB(^Lj QufT^^Lb ^^/f3«f5^«F i9'(^€srui9esufi Q^sssr
He is so intent on producing an ominous sign against his enemy
that he is ready to give up his own nose.
He is willing to cat his own nose to spite an •nemy : to meet one
without a nose is a bad omen.
wis* /sesfi(^ STmQjfeo i9eirS^u^LD e5SsfrQ6UiL(SL&.
If his own crop, even a child may weed it«
uir® uQsufr(Ar.
He who undertakes a matter not suited to him, will suffer as did
the monkey.
■ ■ ■
^45 • /B€sri(^ er^(afs» LfQpiends dsevih SQpeQ ^-.em^^^.
If for his own use a slave will not wash his plate before eating.
342 utfiQiLfTt^.
Whoever undertakes an affair unsnited to him will endanger his
life.
^3647. /S€sri(^ ^^^^ ufT^ssr e^etsii^m^ireo ^mesr ^(misfitreo crwra?
What matters it whether an earthen vessel not required is broken ot
not ?
3648. fiesrs(^u i9^^eo ^sth ^Q^i^ crmssr ssQtpi^ cr&sfes
What matters it whether one's house stands or falls after his death
5649» flcsrir^ eresrji^ ^Q5^^ ^(^ib^ireo j^SsCLbfriLif-ei) ©(J^jp JjfiJ
cw/rgrr.
If he has a wife she will weep at the bed's head-a^ his funeral,
3650. ^9srs^^ ^sQQ ^if-idB^ ^errmiTj^ ^sa(7^i(^ ^(S^H Jy9-**<
He is unable to pound rice for himself, but he can beat iron for
neighbours. '
When the time comes for one to make his own fire and prepare
meals, then his stomach will become small and the judgment
velopied.
3652* ^cafl eut^CoOj (SutresreuSsfT^ ^irjrQLb&sr^ eressr^^Q^,
Do not regard her as your wife who goes out unattended.
.3653. js^ ^4F65)«F65)iLf ^L^^mireBiLL^irso jy^ ^m2ssrQ^ «/(
He who does not control his desires Mrill thereby come to grief.
3654. ^^ e^iQevitruQuireo Lo'eir a_«3/f<i(5 ®^®'(5»
Feel for otherd as you feel for yourselfi
tlifll PROVERBS. 343
3655. fi^sf ^a5es)tr<i ^jr&sr jS6irS(»p6Jr.
He himself coDsames his oI^d life.
A swan in hid own village, a crow in the next.
■ it I Hi l> il -I hi
3657. fi&ir ^rnirs^ &i^(SldSfrLL(Sl^(mih ^uj<so ^sair Mpjp/i(^tii jy^^?" C?ow
I In his own village one should fear the place of incrematioD, in an
adjacent country^ a river.
Ill "*
'3658. ^«T s«(T5<i(5 ^Ssar jyujcu sM(i^dS(^u ^^.
At home an elephant, abroad a cat.
A bullock at home, a cc(t abroad.
f3660. /^cJr ^frifliu^iri^jr^ t9pir sfnfiajih €UipsufpQeu^j;y eQQSp
_._
:' He who attends to his own affairs is indiff^ren't abo^t the things of
others.
• If it is his own eoucern, even the folds of his garment will
flutter.
He who does not attend to his own affairs, will b^ tormented by
worms at every pore.
■ '" 1 ..
1663. fB<sisT&ITfiiUu LjeSl^
\
In his own affairs resolute as a tiget.
664. /seir Sir^^esiiu eQ^njihurr^su'Ssir^ pefreiieQ^,
Abandon her who is carelei^s of her own reputation.
1665, fi^ (^p/bm uiriruu&jiT ^flb@ ^cvSsOi
ITo one on eaai^h «iees kis own faults^
344 ujfiQwir^fi.
3666. fl^ ^ppth gjQ^i'Su i9pir (^pptb ufririSpfifr ?
Da you coDdemn others when guilty yourself I
3667. fi^ (j^^Q^&sTjji eueffiri(^LDirLD (^u9p (^^en^^ss sirsih.
It is said tliai the crow nourishes the young of a cuckoo, under tie
impression that it is her own.
3668. /SfOT Q^irjpi ^^jv fl^ Lfes)L-meu siLtf^ effeikr G)<F/r^ QsLi
Am I destined to be unlawfully abused while eating my own rice
and wearing my own cloth ?
3669. ^^ Sev^^ei) ^(T^ififrio qptueo fsk^iQ^w a/ed^.
When in hia own place a hare is stronger than a tusker-an. tUph'^
3670. ^^ (S/Biriui(^ji ^rrCSesr LDQ^i^,
The remedy of hia disease is with himself.
3671. j^^ uevth ^essT® j^ubusou^ (^pQeuesarQui.
Having ascertained your own abilit}', display it in the assemWj.
3672. ^6»r U€ts>Hh 0<F6i)cv/r eQiLt^friso ^tr^dssri siLif. j»fif-i8p9
When his own coin will not pass, he tiea up and beata the Vaishiw
mendicant.
3673. Jf&r uevSsou iSQmSu t9pir eurru9&y esieaiawfruiir f
Can one take out his own teeth, and put them in another's moat
3674. ^«ir ueo2s<>i ^^^u i9pir gp«Ssu Q//r«F£i airiLQSp^Q'-J^^i
Like picking the teeth and holding the tooth-pick to the DOse
another.
Ljuireirtr ?
Can she who does not feel for her own child^ feel for the child
her rival }
i
TAMIL PBOYEBBS. 345
Like applying to the village officer for permission to punish his '
own child.
3677. /Seir eurriutrCoso ^t&st QsiLL^rr&fr^
His own mouth ruined him.
It is said that the tortoise perished by its own mouth.
The presence of the goddess of prosperity, will be evinced in the
[ speech.
f5680. /^eir eQ^/ssr ^esrdssr^aF dj-®^ ^iLL-uULb ^l-(o^l^^ <*®ii.
^ His own actions will burn him, a false cake will bum the house.
f368l. ^esr effiLQds s^ss^suu i9SliniS ^uuffo 6ff^L-(S<i(^ es^sa^^fvp
CSufr6\),
As if one took down his door, and placed it in the house of his
neighbour.
p682. ^«r eS*iL® eQerriQxekj)/ Qp^^th ^tLu.frp ^rL^irfBrr ?
If one kiss his lamp because it belongs to his own house, will it
therefore not burn him T
\
83. ;a?ew* sffQ ^eSir ^luso eS^iLQ^ir^ (oLDtLQeuifl <sTmSiQtj>^^
He asserts that all houses are taxed but his own.
1684. ^^ effiLQ^ ^jsssysuu i9QieiS ^ujs\) eS^LL.(Si(^ emeu^^ 6QiL(bl
Like driving away dogs till break of day, because he had lent his .
door to a neighbour.
io5, s&fT^Qsc ^iTGsr Q4BLLL—fre\) ^em^^^iuirir erosrssr Qa'iusiiTT ?
If a disciple is intent on his own ruin, what can his master do ?
540
U ip Q LLT L^,
3G86. ^^TSssru Lj^LpfT^ ^BLDLUfrstr^m ^e\)Sso,
There is no artificer who does not praise himself.
"3687. ^^2ssr ^s8iB^eD&sr ^irQesr ^T/skxsu&st,
He who has studied himself is his own master.
3688. ^<ssrZoSf j^oSii]iT^ iS-mesr^u^ ®^Sso,
No excitement will make one forget himself.
3689. ^<siiTP/ssr ^/Sji^euGsr ^Ssoeu^ssr ^nSeuiTf^^
He who knows himself may know his maker.
36'90. ^eifSsw^i 6BfrdQp (ossrru^&D^<i ^iTi>mQeii^®LD,
He who would keep himself must restrain anger.
3691. ^^^/ssr^ Qmrrs\)s\) (SUQ^Qp u<3i^6syeuiLnii Q^frsv^
You may kill even a cow that aims to kill you.
3692. ^ssT?jS9r^ QiBuufr&nfr^ ^fr&fT ^jD/iunroir,
He knows not who laugh* at him.
Despising his own mother as worthless, whilst holding his mothei
in-law in high estimation.
3694. /*6W"25»r ji/jiSii^ iSmSssru Qu&ir,
Know yourself before you begin to speak of others,
3695. ;2?63rSRff«F SiBuU^i ^/SiufT^rrLD us\)e\)ir€ujr^^^ (9^jnEi(^,
It is said that the monkey of Palaveram does not know that he
lauffhed at.
It is said that the monkey that mocks at the top of the cocoani
tree mocks itself.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 34'
3697. /BiriiS^ fliTEiSu ufrr^^fTsv ^SsoCSllQ^ <s^^S(Of^.
He mounts on the head by reason of continued indulgence.
3698' /»/r«F/fl ^ULj ^€ifrL-6U!T6rr^^<%f^<3= .F/fl,
The tabret of the Vaishnava mendicant is like cast-iron.
I 3699. jSfrtf.i(^LJ ^<5F (^L^SVfTLDfr ?
Can you weur a garland round your beard I
[ 3700. ^frif- upjS €Tii^iLiiii(Surr^ ^i^Q^iLQu ujbpe^6u<i65 Q.^Q^uLji Q-t
As one asked for fire to light his cigar when his beard was on fire.
! 5701. ^fTLL^essfliULD ^esrfB/r^Ld,
Kindness leads to loss of wealth.
[3702. fiiTiLQL^iTiL.L-^kmn'jr^'kc^^ ^u9(J^ld (S<s'irji/iJD, eS^^sufr^dsifrg-
The deceitful feasts on rice and curds, while the faithful feeds ou
warn rice and water.
It is better to be alone than to associate with the fraudulent.
i
5704. ^irL-(oL-irLLL^^<3Sfrjr£^i(^^ ^u9(mih Q^r^LD ^^.L-i—iriLL-i
The fraudulent enjoys curds and rice, while the honest man gets
only gruel and water.
\
705r fBiTfi^iL ue^pgj^tUiCSuireo
Like a Vaishnava mendicant and a pariah.
He moves about like a monkey in the hands of a juggler*
348 uifiQ iLirtfi.
3707. ^fr^ ^jStuifflfirm Qugd/s €tneu^^u.isir.
He who does not know how to feel one's pulse is an emj»iric.
3708. ^rr^tjb g)s\)3si)u i9jrrr^u> ^evSso.
No cause, no complaint.
3709. ^n-ujrih ^€\)6Vfr ^mitQ^nrif^Quireo^
As a tender creeper without a prop.
3710. /^^LO^ii ^fTipsijesc^ <cj^.
Delay will lead to ruin. ^
3711. ^rLDGDT ^2so^ ^essrssifffrCoutrev ^^LDL]S(a^^^
He trembles like a drop of water on a lotus leaf.
3712. fiiru^Lj ^^^io Q^fressn^\L\Ui Quir^^eo,
The cord is rotten and the water pot is fractured.
3713. /^friLjLD ^StUu^LCi ^en&fieSiLu. sifrev^Qio euir ^esr^ ^m
A herb that welcomed a child cast off by its parents.
37 14^ ^iru-jLL tBeiT^ntfLb ^^^ld eufrfLfm suu9j)nh Q&sQp,
1 hough they are mother and child their mouths and bellies
diverse.
3715. fliremium Q^fr&rpsu^df^ smifl(o€\) €urr^.
The prosecutor of a matricide is in kia oivn village.
Though related on the side of one's mother he must be treated asi
relation after thoroughly ascertaining his connections.
Before taking a woman in marriage ascertain the character of h(
mother^ before buying a cow ascertain the quantity of its milk.
TAMIL PROVERBS. S49
3718. ^fTGmujLjCSufrp i9fftrdsir jprSeouCoU/r/b ffSeo,
As is the mother such is the child, as is the yam such is the cloth.
3719. ^irsniuu ULfi<i^ LDsetr jyudP/r/f? ^(BlSi(ff&r,
The daughter reproached her mother and went astray.
3720. ^fr€tf)UJu urrtr^^ LOdB^sfrsi Qsiretr.
Look at the mother before you take her daughter in marriage.
Is there any conception unknown to the mother T
3722. ^irdj ^eoeotru i9eirSsfres>aj^ /cSjO'iSCofiV ^L-L^eviruiir ?
Is it right to strike a motherless child on the head ?
3723. ;^/ruJ WL.p(Seu/r m/nu s-pQeu/r,
A mother's attachment, a dog's attachment.
If the mother leaps sevi^n feet, the daughter le^ps eight.
3725. ^triu 6p(^ Ljiri(^^ ^/rcJr sopmiQ^iruLf €r^S(ff&r.
She says that her mother is only a nut, while she herself is a grove
of arica-nut trees.
3726. ^irtu QdSLLQuu'iLtf. ^dsuu&fr ^htgul^uulLi^ ^laemsi QmnrQ^uu
The motbet" is wicked, the father vain, the younger sister a con-
sumer of butter milk, and the elder sister a consumer of rice.
3727. pfTuj 6s>au9e) ^(giSp ^esr^etn^u uiririQ^Lb flm enm^ ^sQ
The bran in one's own hand is preferable to the wealth in the hand
of his mother.
S728, flSfnui^ ^^efreiTjgi inm(^i(^^
That which is the mother's, is the daughter's.
This may refer to prosperity, temper, Ac.
3729. flinui(^ui9i^ ^frjTLD,
Next to one's mother, is his wife.
3730. ^frdj<k(^ j^srP^^ ^ji2/ii> ^esarQi^fr ?
Cau the conception of an unmarried daughter be concealed from
her mother I
3731. ^/ruJ6B^ eQdsiTiB^rr^Lb ^esr6i(miJb eG^iuQeuGmQiD,
It is not enough for one's mother s field to bear a crop, one's oi
field must also be fruitful.
3732. ^nfiiji(^'3F QeFirjpi ^QSsp^ ^mr/^ds^^u z_/«Lp<F6?aj/r ?
Does one acquire fame in a country because he feeds his mother ?
He carries a torch at his father s second marriage where the brid<
is younger than himself.
3734. ^fJiu O^^^trei) LbsssTLo Ln^err Q<9=^^ire\) iBessrih,
If the mother die, a marriage, if the daughter die, a corpife.
The wife is bere called mother with reference to her children,
the efeot of her death the liusband may marrj again.
3735. ^/ruj OcF^^/rew-^ ld^^it ^<id5fb(nf>fffr.
The mother is dead, the daughter is destitute.
3736. r/^fTiu Q<sFire\) ^piB^iT(so eufr^^Ln @^Sso,
When one rejects the advice of bis nK)ther, no precept can vefor
him.
3737. ^iriu ^sQlL(SI3S(^ ^(ip&n6su9€\) t9&rSsfr ^^&iu uir^'u^ QsiLi
While the mother is crying for bran, the child is crying for gingcl
chutny.
Who will approve of a daughter that is uudutiful to her o^
mother?
TAMIL PROVERBS. 351
3739. -^/'"wj ^pfS^s^ ^SEir ^pjpfLDy Qmircisn^eki^ ^TprS^e\^ dB&hr
If a mother should spread evil reports, the village also will do so; if
a husband should defame his wife, a stranger will.
The child that has not seen the face of its mother, and the glowing
crop that has not seen rain, will not do well.
E8l41. ^rnii Qp^uurr^i(j^u u/r&^in/rjSesr^Quirsi)^
1 As one complained that his mother's milk was insipid.
A child disobedient to her mother, is like a cloth in the mouth of a
dog.
8743. ^friTQpCD (g0g)j£i fiB^uSls^ eQQ,
A w^fe and a Guru, are preordained.
Like a duck.
Ghee is plentiful in his feasts,, while cold rice water iu the charity
pandal is as scarce as ghee.
Of what U9e is the favour of a midwife to a widow T
•^^"
I QuirimSu9i^,
Why does the widow survive her husband I' that she may, cook rice
for B, widower,
48. ^ir&jfi ^^^l6 @6\>6V/r ^€triEiQsirif-(Sufrs\>. ^eQdSQtfelsr^
\ He laiiguishes like a . tender creeper without a prop. ,
352 uifiQiLirifi.
3749. ^fri^(Su/rs)) euu9ji/LD ^m&Qutreo iSi^jp/ih,
Pot-bellied and needle-throated.
3750. ^trip (^eo^^p i9pmfinr^ih Lj^^tS^eo jjfeoiOuf^eneuuQuirso
Though low-born, they may by then* good sense prove useful aiaa
oleander flower.
3751. ^tr^m^ iS&r(ff&) euirtpi^ iQpuiriu.
If humble thou shalt prosper.
3752. ^frtfii^^ ^/BftfLo e^iuir/B^j^ iB^^istr.
Gold has become low in estimation, and brass high.
375-3. flir^is^ U6Ssfl^(S(S\) ^SsOes}Lo .^(5^.
The humble and obedient shall lise to eminence.
3754. ^TLpetfiLb ^e\)€dtr^ eurreQu^ ePewr.
An unsubmissive youth is useless.
3755. /Sfrifi6QCSe\) Qu^sfnu^iLjth eurrifieSKo^ ^frtpeptniLfih (S^mrQib,
In adversity, manly bearing ; in prosperity, humility.
3756. fl»iT€sr^^€sr^^fr^ irseo ^ihu^/^Gtr,
He is the wealthiest in the place, and possesses all in abundance.
•OMB^MaiMa
3757. fiiresrub^ ^S^iiLy,
Desire to be charitable.
3758, ^/r(g)«6w/5^ 9QfieQ€S){U6i sireotrio VL,es)/E^^/i fBeir&reoiruiiT ?
/When the goddess of prosperity unsought visits you, is it right
kick her out ?
3759. flfT^ltXi P-eSsr^)^ tSlpQ^dS^Lb QsiTL^iTm^
He will neither eat himself, nor give to others.
3760. fiirQesr ^eSiutrfS utfi^es^fSfi ^if.Qsfr€ifrtSl ^t^^^irvo «(
Can you mature a fruit by beating it with a stick when it does n(
ripen of itself?
TAMIL PBOVBBBS^ 853
3761. jSirQesr /sirGtr (^Qj^isenr ermuirir jS&iteis&r euirsjx^ ^^irSeueif
Quit y«><^ Q^iieufrir;
To get money they call themselves gurus, and perform pujas ia
honour of Sadasiva.
^762. ji^irQesr eueirirm^ jseu^^ireo Qmnif- etQ^fleis&sr,
He has grown great and distinguished by his penance.
2763. fifrQear ^unrtpQeueiffSlih fiSeOUb^sQetr ^j^i&(Sm€ifr(Sih, creirQ
She herself desires to prosper, and wishes that her fii*st-born
daughter maj'" become a widow.
If he himself be under restraint, his race will be sO;
An attempt to speak a language not understood may lead to one's
own hurt.
i766, fiir^sr n^efrmQurr^ &.6V«U).
While one lives, the world swbservei him.
If he thinks one thing, Deity thinks another.
168, fiiTGO' SGfren&r i9p€s>jr iBLbuir&sr^
Himself a thief, he trusts not others^
What you have learnt, teach to others impressively.
«
Half was spoiled by himself, and half by his superior.
That which one acquires will be available, that .which the country
acquires will not be so.
\,
S54 ujpOtf)^^.
Np.one t^es. medicine with a view to death.
3773". fBftm Q^^^i9m s-CUdsii aeStfii^ ermesr fQiSiriB^ ermm}
When one is dead^ what Baatt^rs it-whether the world be overturnigd
or not!
His tripping id as a staff to oth^^.
377^5. /SBfTGfr^r^igu Miue\):sffLL.e(DL^ /Bthufr^^
Being herself a thief, she trudts^not her n^ighVourSb
He who takes poison will destroy himself.
5777^ /S/reir ^mesr^ firsBQ ^^dsQ .eu[rjr^^i(^u U'&fr^i ^C.i^'i^'f?
; He has no,b^ap to.eat, why seek a young . pig to rear for hire f
In ep^tii^ he has a monopoly.
TT
A gluttonous mother.wilVnot'feed'h^rchild, wr will one w]);o feed%
on bi^an keep fowls.
3780.^ fiir^^ ^(ihiL(Bli,Q^n^(Bfifi^Ui,^i80^^^^ uL,
Resides sufTeriiiig the loss of the property stolen, he acq^uires thB
title of a fool.
Gold not acquired by one's own exertions, has neither standard no^
touch. '
If a woman be chaste, sh^ may lire in th? stxcpt' of the hwIttsiK
TAltIL PSOYEUBS. 345
He says that the hare he caught had three legs.
3784. fitr&sr Quir^eo fSfT'S^^k^^i S&f)u,iUfr^, ^q^^l^it giSso jgirjpii'
He says that if he go himself he cannot get waier to quench hik
thirst, but if he sends written olas he can obtain a hundred pote.
of curds.
?785. jsir&r QuirQp sirfliu^^i(^ ^iLQuir^io ^q^ Q^frtLQ,
Faults will happen if another be deputed to do one^s busineis^
3786. ^/reJr Qu/nu Qu^irir ^soevirLoeo eui^eu^ ^^(jji^^F 9iL(Sl
It is Said that he who went in person and could not ohiaxiL everif^.
butter-milk, sent a written order, for curds.
It is said that a musk-rat that was not able to find its way out^.
carried away the broom,
'788. fi/rekjSi strtQeo ^(sSium LK^ik^^^Quireo ,
As if Saturn entered into .the t&nri irmt^Terrnvnolia SeUerica^ .
p89. ^sihujr ^/Bi8ujrrSi(^ ^€ifr(^^ s-p6ij ^eif ?
I What has a naked mendicant to dd with the friendship of a washer*
manl
10. ^«>«Ly^® iB^^flea^ff Qutreo ^2soS(ff&irr
He wanders about like one who has trodden on the tigai plant.
A plant whose toucb is supposed to create aberration of mind audi
numbness-
'1. ^^(^ ^pp&i^'i(^^Qfitusuih ^doinfT;,
God is the help of the.dedtituAe^ .
356 u ipOihfr L^.
3792. ^^(S eQ^uJUi Q^tref[u&s^iiii(^ Q^tuth ^uQ^iusfreoLn Q^Si
A successful conqueror does not regard times whether relating tn
victory or defeat.
8793, ^isiSB^La ^ei^iLjLD Q^pQ^ (SfSfr<i^ QeumrQth,
- Look south on Monda)'^ and Saturday if leaving home.
The direction given in this .proverb is intended to convey a canti
to those setting out on a joarney on Monday or Saturday. It i
based on the belief contained in a stanza of which the following is
translation.
Sangara, Siva, as the author of good, plants his trident on
earth in certain directions on particular days and at stated houvs.
On Monday and Saturday in the east for eight naligais.!:
On Thursday, in the south for twenty n&ligais.
On Friday and Sunday in the west, twelve naligais.
On Tuesday and Wednesday in the north, twelve naligais.
8794.- ^L^LL€9ruU(Sl ^LduirMQ^QiS)),
Preserve your self-possession in the presence of enemies.
3795. ^emSssifri(^^ Q^m QmiriLi^p^ fleisrei^ir iBL^/reiji(^ G^)
As if one should say that the pial was stung by a scorpion, and
water pot standing on it became inflamed.
S796. ^€sisTdstpsti(^ eQif-ZB^irsi) 6ff*iLQ<i(^ih eQi^iLjiii,
If the sun jrise on the pial, it will rise on the house also.
3797. ^jreSiu^^cd ^(Lp^^iMtresreum QiF^^rr^LD Qsiri^ir&fr,
The miserly will not give though threatened with immediate dcit
3798. ^JTGrr ereQ euSstr <sru.ir^.
Rats in large numbers do riot burrow.
* Indian hour of tvtr)^nty«{oar minutes*
J
TAMTIL PBO VERBS. 35T
3799, ^BifBGnemfrSp «fl9^ ^iBtufr^euenniSlib uq^gd^.
As far as twisted it is a rope, that not twisted is mere fibre.
3800. prf? (y^ir^^s^Ca (S^euQ^tii ^/r^^ir.
Neither the triad nor the th'vrtyMiree crores 4)f supenials> are cosst*
parable to him.
Tt^hen there is wealth, there is pow^r.
A screw is strong, old cow-dung breeds worms.
3803. ^(f^'i <S6»rL. S€ssr^^3^(^^ ^ii^ih saexfreviriQpQp,
Even those who have seen the holy one are not exenapt from evilL
3804. P(5<i «^L- <S62OTjgy<S(t^^ ^ii(^ g^ibSso.
Those tlvit have seen the holy oHe experience no evil.
3805. ^n^isireucssTu umfl^d(^ tQipeo ^fleQ (?6Ji^6wr®U5/r ^
Does a marriage pandal require shading 7
8806. ^qj^u.^so'^ (S/serr QsrrtLtf.6sr^(oUire\>,
As a scorpion stung the thief.
•807. ^Q^L^ek Queiir^!r^ erGar0Dpi(^ih GnsubQueih^nf^^
The wife of the thief is always a widow.
The Deity is witness against the thief.
I A rogue is fed with thick milk and rice, while the honest get
nothing but warm water. and rice.
•810, ^Q^tLQ mtriui^^ ^eviEiens^ siLt^^p (Surrey,
Like tying a string of bells round the neck of a thievish dog;
:358 u^QiL/Tifi.
At the marriage. of a thief, the pickpocket is the chief guest
Literal ly» the thievish fellow who uuties a knot. Money or otk
•vahiables being often carried in the ci)mer of the cloth worn »t
dress, or in the corner of a handkerchief.
'3812. ^QFfiLQu ^858r«(gLJ Quit® ^jrtL®u urr^ih Q^trjpith,
Put thick milk and rice before a thievish cat.
3813. Pcji^P ^eoeoir^ er^mrrm ^cm.
A master whom it is hard to please is usele^.
$83.4. ^(l^fB/r(^lh Qpl^kfB^ €r(Sl9if^tLllh «S5/^/5/6JS7.
The festival is over^ the bustle has ceased.
■3815, ^(T^iBir(GiffA(^ QuirSempQMjir ^esr^fi^i(^ij QuirQeinpQ^^^
. Do you go to celebrate the holy day, or for the sak^of food 1
"3816. ^Q^i^p/iSCo'e) ^lLl^it^ aLpp&ssiTiu^
Holy ashes will not udhere to a killachi-k£[.
5817. ^Q^ifi p/sji ^Q^ s_6wri_/r(?LD.
The correct utterance of mantras secures the divine favour.
•3818. ^(f^uu^i^u '(?LJ/r@jj2fib ^ef)L,uuih ^q^ ^bit^t^
Though taken to Tripati, a broom will fetch only a cash.
5819. ^(T^uu^Seo QmiriLeDL^ J^ji^^fi^^ updj^fiir, yj^jnbs^s^
Is it not enough to have been shaven bald at Tirupati and
at Shrirangam !
•3820. ^(f^uu^uSe\) QiLiriLesit^^ fitr^Zssri sessn^trtuir ?
Did you see the baldheaded Vaishnava mendicant at Tripati ?
*3821. ^0euGfr smi^ u^GD^iufnuu QutrSp^.
It has become an emerald discovered by the king's jester.
tArtiL tBOViftBS. 869
Even a religious laendicairt at the temple gate will bfe of iJdme us©
at times.
^'- - '^"
Those who are npaflSected by ISruvasakam will not be moved by
any othjgr composition.
S824. jS(j5«//r«(5<i(g 6r^/f6U/r<i^ fiLSwrC?/— /r ?
Bo the words of the great admit of contradiction T
Demons dwell in the house that is not illumined by a ^d!red lamp.
To smear a room with cow-dung, especially ou Friday, and to keep
a lAinp bxiiDing through the night, are observances pleasing to the
goddess of prosperity.
^ -
3826. ^(7^6S<5iri(^ ^tLi^/rsmfr^ Q^iueufh ^jSttfih, QfBaj^fnr^i^
The Deity knows those who plaoe sacred lamps, and the mind
knows who eats ghee and rice.
Acquire wealth though compelled to cross the stormy ocem.
Lies and tricks.
Why seek the key of an opw door T
f830. ^pi^ ^iLi^Qco mirib ^esyipm^irpQuir^^
As if a dog entered an open house.
1831. ^esr^fiB&i i82sou9e\) Ubesr^smfl iSjpifi^^^
Daily fix your mind on divine things.
o32. ^etfreifi(^<^ Q^irfSfsio ^^th.
Scratching is agreeable whew itching exiirts.
S60 uffiQwfT^.
3833. ^(ssre^ ^(Sijs^eu&sr Q^ir/Sm^Qsif&retr QeuessrQih,
He whose akm itches will scratch.
3831. ^^.uuiujpjLb uir^Lb ^^^^qj^ib^ld, eBSesruutu^ssr Qai^
Though one n>ay abstain from eating millet-pulse and milk,k
cannot escape from the effect of Ms evil actions.
He who: sows niilletA reaps n^illet^ he who sows evil deed% musk
reap, the ^i3me«
3836, ^^SpsfD^^ ^ssrjrmJb Q^6UfnEi(^(DUirio ^q^aSq^^st.
Tho\igh well fed h.e is a& lean, as a sloth.
3837. ^&fru^ Qesff^^Lb Seuesrih tSSed ^e\)2so.
What one eats, is little^ human life is uncertain^
3838. ^&srp LneisTGspii(^^ ^ia, Q^tr€Si&i^
Chogai jaundice proportioned to the earth eatcin.
It la the opinion of some th^t jaundice is occasioned bj efttiD|
sand or earthy a. thing not uncommon.
3839. ^eirp iBj^Sr QdSfrGi)^uJi ^m^^ /B^&r Qssn'&)^Uifr ?-
Poison taken, kills.; ^i\l the poison not taken^ kill f
3840. ^eirjy Qs5ir(ip^fiir&) arunmr ^'q^'^^ ^iLi-.ir^,
He wh,o has. gra;vi^ fat will be. inclined to. nuschief .
Does any on,e desire to chew his betel aver agcun, I
Alii '- j^lJf
3842. ^&sr^^ ^GsresTfl (q^iL(^tJbirLb iQerr^sfruQi^pp euiSjpu,
A motheir who is nuirsing a h^h^ has a ^o^ ^pp^ti^.
1
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 361
Why eat, seeing that you know not how to eat tvith moderation I
3844. ^6srg) e^iLt^eo jQew-eafl,
One who takes food in a house in which he ought not.
3845. ^« Sfnui^frp^Suireo. ^Q^saQsuessfQui,
Act as one who warms himself-do not burn yourself,
3846. ^i(s^^ mrrp^ s^^'eQuufresr^Quired^
As the wind assists fire.
3847. ^iEJiaB(7^u^u^i(^ iLfnki(^u9p SeneQ,
The notes of the kuyil bird to the sugar-cane-bowed Cupid.
3848. ^iLtp-esr ibir^^s^ ah.fruiTffiSip^ir ?
Is the sharpness of the sword to be tried on the whetting board ?
3849. ^^jpiiCi Ufreu^" 0d^dj€S)3s ^ppeuesr Q^sum,
He who abstains from evil deeds is God.
3850. ^u^^e\) (^p/Suj ^euuLtf^^
A torch lit at a lamp.
3851. ^uulLl^ effiLt^(o€\) sif)m6stLefnL-. u^<3FLOfr ?
Is there a lack of charred wood in a house on fire ?
3852. ^ULjeisr ^jpi/ih eufTiuuLjeisT ^(fff^.
A bum is curable, but a wound occasioned by slander is not.
Though fire may be in excess, hatred may not.
8854. ^esiLLeayHJ QLB<sF6^Sip6iiJ^ ^^siimuirefi^irm.
He who approves evil is guilty of it.
362 uffiQiL/TLfi, '
To associate with the wicked is bad, to serve the wicked is also bad.
3856. ^(Siuirmir eQ(Bi^2so ^^(^'Speu&sr /s^^SeoiTQ^i^ /b^l^w G^a
He who liberates the wicked injures the innocent.
3857. ^ff^ spp&im Q^Qsm ^'euirdr.
The thoroughly learned may become a religious guide.
3858. ^ir/r<i (o^fTULb um^iriu QpL^iLjih,
Unrestrained anger will end in mischief.
3859. ^jj'fri Q^iruLd (Surrjrmb QpiymiLD,
Unrestrained anger ends in strife.
3860. ^iT/TcF ^iCofiSLD Qufr0i(^ ^^JSB65TLCi^
Continued uncertainty leads to war.
3861. ^SirfTiSF Q^iuesiS &jriTAir^.
An unsettled affair is bad.
3862. ^jrfr<s QiB(^&i-<i(^^ Q^iueuQub <3FinL&.
God himself is the witness of the unquiet mind.
3863. ^irir euip<i(^^!^^ Q^iueuQi£> ^/rtLS,
God is the witness in an undecided cause.
3864. ,^ir/r euLpi(^ QiBSTfrsir^^
An intricate case will never end satisfactorily.
3865. ^eQ&sf Q^uju9sd QuiL^Zssr Q^a^ujitim.
A demon does evil to him who does evil to others.
3866. ^^s>in p^etTGrr mesr^pr^^ ^&sruu^ ^sJr Q&j^ ?
Why additional pain to a mind already in giief ?
TAMIL PROVERBS. 363
3867. ^^& i9^Q/^Gir iS^S a_6wr(^€ir.
He that is addicted to sleep loses his appetite.
3868. ^tf-iuiTu Quessri^ir LDif.u9s\) OfSQ^ULf,
Unsympathizing wives are like fire- in the bosom.
3869. ^(SuLf ^(^«65<i «j)<5B QeueuH-QssT^ ?
Why should the hand be burnt when there is a ladle ?
3870. ^ssit^uus stl.€S}L^^(^u uiL(Sl<i(^(S^<s'LD SLLtf.€9r^(Sufr<s\),
Like tying a silk tassel to a broomstick.
3871. ^6^i— iSiSjrsui &&^L^ uifiuireoesrth.
To the wicked, punishment, to the good, protection.
The people of the village will reprove a wicked chil*
3873, 4^il®«(g ^(5 (5^^ eSp(ff^iM ^^imify^Cif^ iLfri^Qinh
Though girls may be had at a pie a head, a Muhammadan girl is
undesirable.
3874. ^ 6200 S/Dfiw (2565(5 OsuiLsijb @«oSso^ j^(igSpeu(mf^(^m ^«65m
An impudent woman has no shame, a weeping woman has no
sorrow.
««frL-/r ,^
Do the adventurous experience grief, or the humble, distress ?
The adventurous know not sorrow, the sorrowful know not anger.
Though you may bear one company, do not become his security.
3C4 utfiQ Lbir i^^
3878. ^Ssvdr(!tunrL^evs\)^ eui^Qutr^irQ/s,
Do not go on a journey without a cojnpanion,
3879. ^uurriS euiSip/Sso i9jrsi@ t9pk^^Qu!r€0,
As a cannon was born of a musket.
3880. j^tituir jyLD/jevii.
The wicked will be abandoned.
IL.6Wr®.
Qrief leads to comfort, suffering to patience.
3882. ^ifKSiufT^ssr^ 0/^«^«SF ^(^eSQoireo,
Like Saguni to the family of Duryodhana.
Saguui was the maternal uncle of Duriyodhnna, and had, like the
latter, ninety-nine brothers. Dm iyodhana was one of the kings whose
exploits are narrated in the Bpic Mahabharata. He im{>ri80Ded
Saj;uni and his ninety-nint brothers, to prevent their cornbination
against him, feeding them on gruel which was doled out from dajto
day. Tiiey all died of inanition excepting Saguni, who' managed If
secure suf^cient nourish men t to preserve his life. He afterwards bt*
came the counsellor of Duriyodhana and from sinister motives gi^
such advice as led to the ruin of his royal master, who lost his kingdoa
and also his ninetj-njne brothel's.
3883. ^(i5«« 0^(7^6B(Ss\) ^(T^QeuunuirGDeaJujir ^^Sp^ ?
Is it in a Muhammadan street that one should recite Tiruvembal
3884. ^(f^LDLIUi «6V^.^6Wr6JRJp/r (p^«(^l6.
Even a fibre may help to fill up a kalam with water.
■ ■ Ill
3885. 4^7(5^0*7 j^e^yifiVLi ^u.th ^(7^i/s/r€0. ^^enesup^ siL(Si€UirGf,
If he find room for the insertion of a straw, he will tie an elephant.
3886. j^Q^LdLj Qpp^oSesr QmtruLo eQerthLj QptLi^fls ^q^ld^
Anger occasioned by a trifle may extend to the sky before itceasei
3887. jfi(f^uiLi ,^essr ^^so ^ir^ ercueuetreif ^dsQe^imCSiii ?
If a straw become a pillar, how great the piUar m,ust be ?
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 365
3888. ^(TF^lbSSiU^ ^^i(^Sip^lT ?
What, do you make a pillar of a straw !
3889, ^65)/r Q^JSu^ ^Qsr S^^th,
The will of the ruler is weighty.
3890. ^(Sjrfrs^<sfreo Q^iremu. ^esDpr^fiesnjb^ (Qi^mZsir eu(^^^ih
Power obtained by high treason, a sceptre that oppresses the
subject.
3891. ^(Sji'/rufl€9)aj^ ^8e\) e^S^iis^^Qufreo,
Like stripping off the cloth of Draupati.
Draup^ti was the eommoQ wife of the five tons of Pandu. When
in captivity after the hnmiliation of the Pandavas, an attempt was
made by Dariyodhana to strip off her eloth, ai a punishment for
laughing at him when he stumbled, she was however saved from dis*
honour, for as they drew away her cloth it was lengthned by divine
interposition.
3892. ^/r«f^<?^68r2bw«i s^u.!T&) ^jr i9ev^
Stand at a distance from the wicked.
3893. ^eoiaiTfi ^{LffBLO ^q^u iSzjL«^li,
A weapon not kept polished, will become rusty.
3894. jgj€Oir^^e\) QeuGtr&fl ^(7^lju^i^s\) s-.€\)/reBu QuintfCo m&siip,
Venus being in Libra, there will be rain throughout the country.
3895. ^^is Q^Q^eQCoeo Q^eurrjrin p^€isr^Qutre^^
Like singing D^varam in a Muhammadan street.
3896. ^eQfBfri(^ ^L^jifih,
A double tongue will slip.
Kanji requires continued stirring while boiling, and mamage re-
quires carefUl consideration before being entered on.
366 uipQ turr^,
3898. ^etT&ir^ eufTiSFQpLjb (TpGfr^i(^di iK^iretnubu^th.np^isrr.iQpQuiiQ^
The fragrance of the Tolasi and the point of a thorn are in the bud.
3899. ^ctrerrirCp^ ^errerrrrQ^ (^etrerrir^ u<ia^^(oe\) uerrefrth juwr.
Dwarf, do not jump, there is a ditch close by.
3900. j^etrenirQ^ ^eirismrQ^ ^iL(Si^(^iLi^ erevr gd^uSso ^Mi
Do not leap about 0 lamb, the butcher's knife is in my hand.
The restive or unruly bullock will carry its load.
3902. ^crrciflji ^err&fli i<^^^fitr^Lb OsUfftrefflLJUesifrQpUi Sewi-ttJ^ri
Though one may . exert himself to the utmost, he cannot procure
even a silver fanaiii when foHone does ncvt smile.
3903- ^etreS)^ ^etretfl^ Q^iruQu&rj^ ^(L^SQrfiu,
By restlessness thou wilt throw thyself headlong.
r. . i ■(
3904. ^(siT^ub!TesT(^iLi^ ^jF^&i eQQpfb^^,
The springing young deer fell into a well,
■ ■ ' ■• ' '
Can that which is not reached by a l6ng pole be seized by the hand
3906. ^peu/DLD ^evevpui Luesr^QGO,
Ascetic and donriestic virtues originate in the heart,
3907. jpp€Q^(^ Qeu/s^ek ^Q^tiiL^.
A king is but a straw before an ascetic,
■ — »— — — ^
3908« ^^uih fl(7^8p ^fr^€s>su9€sr^ . ^F^^^^^eo jysw^ fifl/ili
Jffen scare away crows because their cries are a Auiisanoe, bi
cwkoos th^y do not scaro a\ra^. . .
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 367
$909. ^^u^^p(^ ®^"i QmrrQi^ea.
Take care to keep off sickness.
3910. jx/earuii Qpk^ ^&^uld iBi^.
Pain precedes, pleasure follows.
As the hanging-nest bird gave advice to the monkey.
The fitor} referred io is graphically told in, I think, Fanehatantift.
It is as follows : On a cold rainy day a monkey chilled. by the incle-
mency of the weather approached a tree on the branches of which
were hanging namerous nests of this ingenious bird. One of the
inmates addressed his simian denizen of the forest expressing sur-
prise that a creature, endowed with limbs so welt fitted for the
purpose did not fabricate il sditable place of shelter.' The monkey
felt the reflection implied in the admonition, and unable to reatraia
his iadignation, jumped into the tree and, destroyed the residence of
his inuQeent friend#
In my journeys on foot in various parts of this eonntry I have fre-
quently seen the nests of the pendulous bird. On a tree not many
miles from Trincomalie on the eastern coast of Ceylon I once saw
perhaps thirty or forty- nests hanging/rom one tree not twenty feet
I high: they resembled large pears.
1912. ^ire^Q iSZssr^;^ QfsrriSu Qu3r.
Speak after deliberation and circumspection.
A child brought np in the arms, and a leaf plate . stitched when,
spread on the lap, wilLnot ha^nroperly formed.
*-^«
I Lift me up you fellow, I will cut them down ajad cpnyert tike plaqe,.
iBto ^..minung ground,.. . . ^T"
368 uipQiLir^.
3915. ,^«ffl sQdsifrQ^iu.
Do a thing after due deliberation.
3916'. ,^«(5 e-.6wrz-/rg)ci) QiBiri(^ t>.€mQ.
Gravity inspires respect.
3917. ^B^if/BeuQesr iSdadSfr^eu&fr^
The sleepless is the abiding one.
3918. ^ij^(r/BeuspJ^(Si^ ««ii) gjeoZeo,
He who does not sleep is not healthy.
3919. ^iiSesr&issr^ ^i^^i(^iLtf^, fi9z^^^(5«^«u€w^ ottilSi
The weaned he-goat belongs to him who slept^ the suckliog to him
who was awake.
3920. ^^fsQ&sreum dSGsrjp/ ^t^frMmjpr^
The calf of him who slept is a bull calf.
3921. ^^miQssream iFrrSp^sodsOy eff^ikSesreu^ tSentfiiSlp^eo^,
A patient who sleeps well will not soon die^ one wiiose bodyj^
swollen will not live.
3922. ^3r6wrzp./Dd5/rir,gQ/<i(2)<i aessr ermiQs iS^uiSeo ^eoeoQckitr f
Where is the eye of the angler i on the floaty is it not I
3923. ^prm^ ^etnoju uitiriQ^LCi sirinfl ^ Qssirtf,j^.
The fire of lust is more fierce than a smoking fire*
3924. ,^Jr ^Q^kflireo Q&'jr ^peaj.
Distance promotes close friendship.
3925. ^rjrfi^u usFiSSi^^ «6wr^a^«igj<i ^eiflir^Q,
Qreen in the distance is cooling to the eye.
3926. ^arjTji^u u/riresieus(^ tnSso tLtfiiLtpuL/, 8LLi^u(SuirQ)C0^ «*
^Lb sp(Slih»
A mountain in the distance appears smooth, but as we approach m
the surface becomes rugged I
TAMIL l^ltO VERBS. 369
Water at a distance is not available id an emergency.
3928. ^sru (ou/rs(o6U€m®QLDn' S^rru uir^^iBp ens egmtids,^
Must I go away that you may lay your hands on the bed of greens I
8929. ^/r/5^ &€asrp€S)jb^ ^jr6u/risfrQ<as,
Do D6t empty a well that has been filled up.
A pitofligat'e Taiaily will be reduced to asheS.
3931. S^pp^ €r€sr(oufrnr Q^geo erag^^ e^essr irtr Ir^
The slanderous are ignorant of letterd.
3932. ^^p/iSji ^/flC?aj50.
• I.
Do not go about slandering^;
39d3. ^irpjpjui QuemteLir sh-p^ eresr^ ^(^ld,
A reproachful wife may fitly be called Yamd.
3934. Q/Seifn^ji^i^U uisasrQpu^ ^eu^^^p(^s ^ijStLjLD ^^uuQiJb,
Money for fines, and greens for the anniversaries df the dead, are
readily available.
3935. 0/sdj€u S^^ih ^0/5^/rsu Qd^^^eu^ith erQ^LbLjeurr^,
Odd toeing willing, even the dead may rise.
3936. Q^iueuu ujeoeu^Qjid^ mrr s_ewr(T5ii &^8ljr ^i^nreQdSf^d ss^s
^o a heaven-inspired poet, the tongue, to an artist, the hHnd are
skilful.
}937. Qfiiueuih ^Ssfm^Q^fretr Q^slc^ ^rS^^iuLo,
Secure divine help,— the body is transient.
24.
870 ^lfiO-wJL^.^
3938, O^/flflJ/r^ -p&nrrCpflJ iBidtuirji >^8sm S;
0 ui|COiiscicoas ea^rtfa, thou art my iDseparable help.n
3939. Q^Q^err/r LD^jpi(^.^:(^(S&r^€0^, .
All unejiligliteii.ed. miiid hajS np ^enais o/darkeness.;
A child is a fruit that does, not nauseate, and water is a beyeraji-
that never cloya.
Having drunk the clear water, thou hast stirred the mud.
The illustrious, .holy, divine teacher. .
3943.;; O^&TG^lU ^(^iPOSsS ^Q^C(di(^ ,/5fil//JD«3ff.^
In thieving he, is a precious, stone — one of tlie nine genu^^..
3944. QfB/S^s jy/j^^^ ^il,i^rr25srCjQuir(Ss\>.
Like the goldairiith who beats off the gold in piece*.
3945: Q^^p^;im^^ ,(^qf^^€^\u isuL^^s^^^i (5®®® O^pjS jf^^
^^^!r,Lb .S^LDULpip \^fsr€srLj Quires,.
A northern bird induced a southern bird to feed pn Sigampalaoi
a fruit. .
3946. O^pQm ^i^^fi srrp^^ ^0iiii9 \s^j^iuiT^ir ? \
"WCill iiqjt the »outh wind blow again ?
3947. O^sw" j«/r© \^<^frjrLp:Qn^QfBeo(p6iJeQ ^^u^trsrih.
The ma^ner^ of Tenkasi, and the ceremoniousness of TinncTcllj.
3948. Q^^peo (tpprSu Qun^th ssfrp^ ^^^^*
The gentle j^outhern breezy has increased to a gale\ .
3949. Q^^esru^ir^^p uir^ <srmd^ euetrnr^^fr&r urreB,
1 am half the height of a ^cocoanut. tree,^ she who brought me up
a sinner.
J
TAMIX FBOVERBS: ffjl\
As when the scorpion stuDg the cocoanut tree, the palmyra tre^
had a glandular swelling.
3951. Q^esr^^jT/TLb^ uSsw €U6rrir^^^(Suireo\ ^^
Asr Tennilur^man reared a .eat.
^£ii^Sp/Sfr P
While he who ate tiae kernal of the cocoanut escapes with impunity^
is he who sucked the fibre to pay the fine ? .
As countries differ, .their languages differ alsa.
As if A medicinal root he had gone to seek, was obtained at his fo6t»l
3955. Q^if.^ ^Q^eQerr^s^ ez^ei/,/
Prepare to^plaoe a^sacred lamp.
■ I I . ■ !■
|3956. Q^i^;i ^^ekpeui- Q^^iueu^Q^n-Q ^^^6UirJ
He who earns his own bread is like god.
5957, Qj^if-u Ljss)^^^^ Q<S(f^6Qis\) ^jriQp^n;?
What I begging iii.tthe street, after having acquired 'weaUh audil
buried it !
5958. Q^t^tu QufTf^^ 'SfTeQCSev ^iLi^eisr-^Qumejo,
A3 the thiug one is in search of hits the. foot. ,
The plant one was looking for was being trodden undet foot.
Ho one being interested iu its.burial, the corpse li^s in the road^l.
«72
U IfiQ ILfT L^,
3961. (SfiihuQ uSssruS&fT ^jrerr utfi^Qflirq^ eQ^tr,
A selected nut from a number of sweet palmirah fruit.
3962. Q^iiiBfBir^Ui ^ fs^esrsmiLemL^ uh&sild Quir^fr^,
Though worn by attrition, the sandal wood loses not its fragraoce.
3963. (Sfiiu/B^ Qpt^^^ ^esFQjTfr Qds/riht^dserr s^^ir^^Qfffr ?
Art thou worn out and become a musk-rat, hast thou cast ihj
horns ?
A thoughtless act occasions endless trouble.
K965. (S^^trQuD/rlr/s^ Q^m^inuQuneo,
Like the cocoanut smelt by a toad-a blighted cocoanuL
3966. (ojsQjrfrCou. iS^.jpj Q^^Qeu/rQu. ^2so@Qt^&(r^
He wanders along the street with ihe temple car.
He is called intelligent because of his nice discrimination.
3968. (S^eui^ojfT&r 0^(5 Q&ireir2&TQuirSip^n- ?
Is robbery committed in a street of harlots ?
Before the dancing girl had adorned. herself, the car moved aodl
came to a stand on the road.
3970. QfBeut^vjiretr indsek ^su^fld Q^oj^jg^Quirev^
As the son of a harlot commemorated the death of his father.
When a harlot dies the body is a mere corpse, when her mother dit
frmeral rites are obseryed, «
TAMIL PKOVBBBS. 373
3972. (ofieuGDiri aiTiLt^u (^^'u> U€sS Qs/r&r(St^LD,
Under pretence that gods require it, goblins exact service from
men.
Goblins or ghosts of the kind referred to, are employed by magT'
cians. They Hre supposed to banut grave yards, places of increma-
tion, buried treasure dbc. Oompaoies of thenv attend Siva, Gasesa &C4
3973. (o/Beiiirmefr uosS^esiL^ Q^iuttj (pL£ie\)eu€ijr sn^fBir^
He is the Lord whom the celestials serve.
When stung by a scorpion do you recite incantations as for a snakO'^-
bite?
The scorpion. Stings him who helps it out of the fire.
3976. Q^eSeo €9(ipf6fi ff (Sufrso^ fieQ^Qnt?^,
He flutters as a fly that has, falleai into honey..
3977. Qfissu^^ FFiSSiVU^ QfBi^ eQQeufrir ^/f ?
Who cares to supply flies for honey !• I
3978. Q^^Qjtii ^dsvTLDfre^Lb Q^euQKs^^ ^irui9^tjS^
Honey mioDed vntk, tinai flour is. offered to the god&;.
1979. (S^&f^ i-f'^&u^^Suireo ^Q^dt^CSeuemO'iii.
Live in harmony, as honey and milk.
3980. G^,gB/"> ufrsBtJDCSuireo ^q^/s^ ^(Lp/BGn^s ^jn^flfr^.
Pretending friendship as sweet as honey and milk, he cut my throat,
8981. Q/sQ&irQu/r^LD O^/E^t^ipi «^eS.
Mellifluous classical Tamil.
I9S2. Q^Sev^ QflfTiLi^Qiuir ^of^rr^ Q^niLt^Qiuir ?
Did you touch honey, or did you touch water ?
W83. Q/^fk c»6BriL./r(g)sb ff Qfli^&i(mCo,
Where there is honey there are flies.
v374 uifiQwiri^
•3984. Qjsek ^eirerr ^i^^^eo /f Oa>/r(ij«(g£i.
Flies swann wkere there is honey.
♦3985. Qfim €r(Sl;i^eu^dS(^ ^Q5 ®<^^^®^ u^frmeir mSbwoSeu ^{J^i^
^Acuff for lum who 8teafe(iic»ieyyar cuff foir:3iiat who lives inihehom
^ of his fatiier-in-law.
He speaks to him meUifluonsly, And accompanies ^iiini across the
Btreet*m order to get rid of him.
•3987, (ofl&sr ^Qpsu Qu&r€urr&sr^
He {[peaks mellifiuously.
•3988. Q^^^L^iLt^Qeo aewasofiSilfi) er/SliuevirLbir ?
Jisiy you throw stones at a bee-hive ?
•3989. Q^eir 0^/riLi^n'& esym isMfrQs-ir f
Will those whoihave touched honey not lick their fingers ?
^When one has touched honey, will ke not lickthe back of his haadt
•3991. Q^<xr e^trk^^ eaetriji^fr^ib mir^&jrCb 0^mi(^ ^(^Qmir ?
'Will the gall-nut become as sweet as a eoeoanut though wi
twith honey I
•3992. ^fi PF^U LfeO^th g)€oS50, LLirS FF^'WITQpLD ^eV^SO.
There is no grass that does not .grow in January^ nor tree
does not sprout in February.
3993. es)^^^ €Ufru9^ih J)(3«<sB/i ^irwB^fi euirtS^th @(5<i« eri
sirQeo (SuirssFir n-Uu^Qir ?
'Whilst one gate is blocked up, and the other defended by artilli
0 XJppandr -how did you find your way in ?
^TAMIL IPBdVEIlBS. 375
3994. ^^ i9piB^iTeo ^ifi i9pi^ib^
If January come, roads ddme.
3995. 68)^iJL/«(g;i esifiULj LnjfCo iQif-^^fT/bCSufre^^
Like holding the lath acT each nail' is fastened.
3996. eay^iu^th ^jJuev/reir 6»iLDttJj^ii ^^cv/reir.
One who has neither wife, nor desiire to marrhf,
3997. €9)^tL['th LDfrStLfth €9)€U(US^^ e^rDIEJ(^,
In January aUd February sleep under' thatch.
Because dew is' then Excessive.
3998, Q^iTiLL^ire^) Qfiiripm eSiLL^rrso Liifr/b(nj>6ir^
When together friends, if separated Enemies.
3999. QjSfTL-i^eQfb iSerrSoW^^g rei^dsSp i9i^2srr iBin&ir.
A child that can walk, is as Taraa to 'a child in the cradle.
4000. O^irtLuf-iuu Quiu at®^ir(Bl LDzl®ii.
The demon of a wizard pursues one to the burning ground*
4001 • Q^/tiLt^^iii ^iLtf-u i9fffrSemLiii^ Q^(e^eJ/r^,
She'roicks the cradle ^nd pinches the child.
4002. Q/SfriLif-p Utfi^ath si^Qd^n'Q LniL^ui,
Hsibits contracted in the cradle cleave to'bhe till he goes to the
burning ground.
4003. Q^rriLQi miriLi^tT)6 eQ^&n^ Q^rfiLQu (oUfriLL^fr^^Lbeujrrr^,
Without a preceptor an art cannot be attained.
4004. Qflfr€ssru.ir^istr ^Gsruesr JiiS5ssri(^ tSlpueueir,
He is thiB friend of his servants who helps them.
4005. Q^ireifTQL^e^LjijQi—eo,
Be not called a slave.
376 i^ffiQuytTi^,
4006. Q^frem.^pirj)t «l_(?^(?l_ jpeujfLouQj^LjLi^ strp ueagr.ih,
\y^i^li ninety debts, h^upa for a quarter of a fanam.
4007. Qfifreitr^^^jM Qujt^Q^Ql^ ^eujrLLUmuLi ^(t^ uaww,
Wijth ninety gold lanams, one for beana.
A sI^vQ is a witness for: a. alave, ak cbiUm-sta$ is a wii^^ess for
4009. Q^jr^Lp^/ressr si^eineuuSesr ^ri^^em ^zS\^.
The fopd earned by the plough is sweeter than that obtained by
s(^rviijg others.
T
4010. 0^fr(Lp'Siith LK^iB^ ^0 LiQp^&ns ^l—ITU^p (SufTLD/r?
When shpep are gepned, ^Ul not du^ig be found in the fold I'
4011. O^freketDLD istrtf. msirsinLD eQi^frQ^,
, In. your zeal for pld forms.negleo^ npt wh||t ia^ really uaefyl,
4012v 0^nr&ir€iDLb mpQeuio,
Forget n,ot your fonuer condition.
4013. QfiBir&sr(sS&>LD QpQp^LD Q^irmfiSl\u.seoeQ\
Leax;ning which is conspicuous to the whole, worlds
4014. Q^iTiLL^MiTjr^ eutr^sH ^irp^ ^i^^^neo QuiriOtpj^^
The prospects of a gardeifer are destroyed by a gale.
• • •
4015. Q/BiriLi^^^io ^k^,{i>.
It ends in the garden.
4016. Q^TtLL^^^ mfi 6k.tLi—^^e\) 6U(7^uirr ?'.
Will the jackal of the garden come into i^he aj3SjBm]bly ?
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 377
4017* Q^irtLi^Lb Qp^^iressr ^es^frisrruj ^jpi^iTGhr,
The garden is three spans square, the gourd in it is six spans long.
4018. (o^fnLL.LD iS2so^^&)eoQeuir O^&sretrLoiSerrSsrr €5)6iji^(o6usm(SLD.
It is after laying out the garden plot, is it not, that cocoanut trees
are planted.
•mia^^^
4019. (^^fTL-if^Qurreo ^ettxtp^^freo ^einfr(oU!rei)^^s'frLjt3L^svfrii>^
If yoi^ work like a scavenger, you may eat like your master.
20. (^/Sfresnf} (oUfT^^ih ^evyp St^iif^ux,
The ship goes, the port remains.
One ku^uni for digging, three for filling up,
He wl^o can swallow iJb,p pplp whjl^ the pipel remains intacti*
4023. (o^fFLp^eu^ ^eveiSuj ^^(^ff,
Distiriguished learning^ is a real comp inion.
ift24. Q^rfLpQ^(Blu^(sj-sinLfies^ix Q'uQ^eo,
Pisclose not your defects even to a friend.
■*' ' r
1025. Q^iTe^ia ^(5/5^ O^eQcfDUjd ^i^iBp^ir ?
Vha^ !. *jBa,ted Q» the shoulder and biting the ear ?
Do you enter the assembly when sure of defeat ?
|027. Q/SfTpplsa' tufTeijth (S/grrppLd ^p^ ^lSujia,
All things that exist wiij vanish away.
Do, n^ot romp i^bou^t.^
378 aipQu^rr^.
4029. 0^sirTS9y<sin3^ Ui€sr^^(^<^eu€kifi^ §)eo2so.
Ni'thing.givefii Batisfaction'to the goddess of ttiisfbrtui^.
Do you use a hatchet when the nails would suffice ?
4031. (B^QjMJb ^ss)jHLfLL(Sun'Qe\) mir(LLQ(a^&sr^
United like the nails and lihe flesh.
4032. f535€ff)frdi(^uOu^es);SeuLfi^frtl.QSp(ofl/r?
Is a p^ttai-a small fish a guide to a nagarai fish ?
4033. /5«5)««(5 LDSffi9'Q XlLl^^(^ /5g5<9r.
Merriment is the poison of friendship.
4034. /5«D6B<F0<F/reu ^q^^€\) uetn^i(^ ^^eufri^uy.
Reproachful words lead to enmity.
Begard him as a dog who laughs you to scorn.
4036. f6i(^Sp /5/ruJ«i^^ 0«5F«^ €r&fr^iD Seu eSii^iii ereo'jpfui Ofi
ILjLLfT ?
Does a dog addicted to licking, distinguish between an oil-press anl
III I
a Siva linga ?
The lingA, the symbol of the Saiva worship, is Anointed with oil
4037. ih^i^QpQufr^Lp^ fGirski eTQ^LDLjiMir ?
Does the tongue rise when licking T
When eating the food of another reproachful language is not used
4038. /5«5B^ fi_6WrZ_/r/f /5T6i/ (STLpfrlT.
Those who lick do not raise the tongue.
Thode who hir^ eaten ^he food of ^another man will not rcj'foa*
hira.
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 879
4039. 'Bii'&r iLirih ^(^^Lb iBiLi-.eiiira>&T Q^i/iLQeun'ir&iSTrn' ?
Though a poisonous tree, will those who planted it cut it down I
, Though associated with poison^ the, stone on a cobra's head is a
gem ; though it may be found in a dimghill, « kumimani is still
the same.
4t)41. 16^^ iBirpseoCb Qe^mrQioir ?
Are four kalams of poison required I
4042, /5z_.65aj ^/6laj/r^6u^dS(^ isCBeff^ sir/Beu^^
To a person unaccustomed to walk^ the middle idf his house is ten
miles off.
4043. iBL^iSp^ /5i_«<sil©£i OfiiueuLb ^Q^^Spjp.
Let things take their course ; there is a God.
1044. iBL^d(mthaireo /seujp/eu^^tJb /sir ^eu^^eo QslLi-.^,
A slip of the tongue is worse than that of th6 foot.
i045. iBL^ii^ i9eirSsir ^eu^^rnh ^rriuirir Q^uj^ ^6u^^rre\),
It is said to be owing to the penance of the mother that the child
that could walk has begun to crawL
b46.
Tho goddess of fortune dwells in the feet of the industrious, the
goddess of misfortune dwells in the feet of the sluggard.
The goddess of prosperity or fortanei and the goddess of adversity
or misfortune, two sisters, mentioned iu this proverb, exercise a mys-
terious iDfluence over the minds of the vulgar. These remarkable
beings are said to have been produced when the celestials, in search
t»f ambiosia, chnrned the milky ocean. The opinion expressed in the
proverb is also contained in a stanza of Nitinerivillakkam a poem on
moral subjects, jusLly admired by the learned, for the terseness and
beauty of its composition, as well as for the general purity oi its
4a(ioral sentiments. The poet says :—-
880 UtfiQlLfTL^.
*' When t)»e goddess of prosperity 6n Js th it her favoars are not ap«
preciatedy she iDtroduees her elder sister, the goddess of adversity, to
the sluggard, and then takes her departure."
The goddess of fortune, whose presence is a guarantee for happioes
and prosperity, is said to dwell in the face of a horse of superior caste,
with the wi,«*e and good,-in all fragrant flowers -in the tree of pRr*>
disc that bestows whatever it's votaries may desire,-in the beauty ofi
good and obedient wife,-in the ocean,-iu the portal of a bouse wiieit
a marriage is being celebrated,-in a well governed count ry^-iu grtiv
in brilliant lamps and flaming torcheB,*in the words of the great,-iit^
truth-speaking nien,-in the arrows of Cnpid,-and in vessels of lA
The goddess of misJf'ortune issaid to have her habitation with tin
glut! on -the irascible,* with liars and other abandoned characters,-vitk
those clothed in rags,-with vicious womeu,^>iD a flock of sbeep, aul
in the face of the dead, t
4047. fBt^fB/Sfrs\) /5/r® €T&)e\^frui tL.psi]^ u(S^fifrs\) uiritju^ uem^.
The whole country is friendly to one who is active, his own mat ii
at enmity with the sluggard.
4048. fBL^ui^ e_6!B(rz— /rg)^> dS^iut^ Quirm^Qeo,
If allowance for a journey is provided, gold sandals will he used
4049. /5L.€if6S(^^ O^gS f5freojiQ^fr^jpi/,
The yield of rice is a fourth part of that planted.
Like the snapping of the yoke tie when the plough has done h«
iU work.
4051. /5® SMrf?6V fB^^Lbjrth U(mji^ er&fresr ?
Of what use is the ripening of the fruit of a poisonous tree in
middle of a village ?
Though you go to the middle of the sea, return uninjured.
40 '3. fBQ^Q^(7^u i9<9-esi6F3i(^ fBiretssnum utriTiissvn'Uifr ?
Can one retain self-respect who receives alms in the middle of
road ?
TAMIL PROVEKBS* 38l
4054. fsQ^fijnuiresreuQ^^i^iu ^iriimeo Qurr^ssfl^ tSeirsij Qutrsvu
A fracture in gold vanishes when exposed to the fire ; in like manner
the anger ol the good passes away.
A benefit conferred on the indifferent is remembered for a shoit
time, so a drop of rain on a lotus leaf vanishes soon.
If one's pace be slow he will be long on the way, if an army be
small, its anxiety will be great.
Is one to have the gain, and many to share the loss ?
4058. iB<^u.^^^(^ €^(^^ek isuj^^i(^ gi^ta/fiir.
One loses, one gains.
4059. iBLLL-fTpfSQ^ endssQQSp^ iB&srenu^iUir ?
Is it kind to abandon one in the middle of a river f
4060. fSL^Qeuiir i9fffr^a(^ (ipiLi^i^is^ Q^X^iUtr^ir ?
Does not the child of a drummer know how to drUm !
4061. isLL(Sl<su&fr t9&rSs(ri(^A Q^^iriLi^i 'SmLb^QeuGifrQu^/r ?
Does the child of a drummer require a preceptor I
4062. /56wr®6B (^Q&neueiDUJ fbQ^Q/SQ^eSeo s-.ea)L^^^^(Su/r6i\
Like breaking in the middle of the street a pot containing crabs.
1063* iBcssfQ Q€Birag^fi{re» eudsfru9e\) Sl^^^*
The crab will not remain in its hole when it becomes fat.
tt)64. iBeSar^siL^eF miL® mfletnujdi anreusv esieufljs^Quirw^
Like setting a jackal to watch a roasted crab..
4065. iBesurQuirQ^eff Qsfr(S^\^> (6^(a^iu^^^^^
Pay the teachers fee, and learn well.
■ 4066* fB^^ eufre^ffiu92so iS^^ld mtrpuessru^-,
A village plantain leaf always costs a quarter fanam/
406.7. (B^efD^ 6Uu9pnSs)) Qp^^U ^piB^^,
Pearls are produced in the belly of an oyster or. snail.
406'8. iBib^ encsr^^. ^€iknf-^(^ij> (ipuje\y (?«i/il«n£_«i^ib (oTjijsSssr jrr
JTLD,
How distant are the occupations of the mendicant of the grove, aid
of the hare-hunter.
406i9. iBuiru ^^^2ssr <cj<s5)ifi L/eS \^^^85w <F/r^.
Poor as a Nabab, and gentle as a tiger.
The hair of the. head is seized by his hand*
Though he may givQ four children to Yama, he will not give onei
his relatives.
4072. /5a>«3r €T(B^^^O'^fTGssr® (Sufr.(^thQurrQp^ nsapeS e9(Zf«^
euesr.
Hie slipped and fell when Yama was carrying 14m off,
4073, fBLD&n'-^/iSujfr^ s^u9(i^ih fBtresiir '^^(Stu<ir^ ^ewQpu^ e-.eist(Si^ff\
Is there a soul that Yama knows not, is, there^ a tai^k uixknowo
the crane? "
4074. IBLbU S^JSiifb^€B S(mfB^ ^ ^^S^^ITLLIT ?
May you. cut a man's throat after ingratifkting yours.elf .in
confidence T '
4075. /BLD(2<5sr Ouemfr /B(S\^ib/6/eo ^L^eonrLbir ? '
May yw leave in the middle of the river, tho?^ who hstve confic
themselves to your cE^re ? ,
TAMIL PROVERBS. 383
4076. «/fl sMSi^nreQtl.Qu Lf€Si^m.q^i(^u, QutrQesrmLfsB ttai(i^ih> fsif)
Leaving the region of jackals I* went to , that of th^ tigers^ andth^t
beea^xi^ a region of jaukals.
4077, /5/fl ^Q^ ^tr^ar^ ^ifi^uQu/resrj^,
The jackal is gooe to plough.
J 4078. fBifi ^h.ui9LLQi .su-e\) QpiL®L£in- ?
Will the. howling of the fox reach' the sea ?
4079, mSi sh-u.^® ^L-.io. QpiLt^uQufTi^u^,
The .hqwlipg of tb$, jackal will reach the ocean.
4.080. fBiFI OmirQp;i^fr€\) -euSofTuS^ ®^^^. i '
If the* jackal becomes fat it will not remain in its hole^^:
4081* /5/f? Qsitqp^^, eresr<osr srrt^Slffih U(i£^^ er^esr ?
Whatif the jackal becomes fat, or, the gall-nut, ripen I ■
4082, /5/f7<i(^LL^t<i(g earSsyr uifi6b^Q(suessT®Uh!T p
Is the young jackal to be,tr?dned to howl,!
4083, fBi{)65(^Lj Qi^iBaj^esrip Q^fr®^^ireo Ses)Lr-i(^ ^jreifr® ^Q
If the jaickal gains the mastery, he will deTnaJKj two sheep from
eyery flocjc.
The jackal is a quadraped thief, the shepherd is a biped thief.
— ^— ail ij .— »»
1085. fsiSlnpmQesr iBessrQ ^jr€ssrm-QuiTiL.L^^Qu(rco^
^ As the crab made somersaults before a jackal. '
i Are viscera to be given into the hands; of a jackal to be washed I '
i087, /5/fl<5W/rSiO« QsfTeinrQ ^u,eo ^ipLD uirjriSp^QLJfre\)^
Like .meafluri;pg the depth of the oceau with the tail of ,a japjcal. ,
384 uipQihiri^.
4088- fsstfifT ^0Drr ^^Sso, mm^La ^tki(^ @^Sn).
He is not grey nor wrinkled ; Yama is not thete.
^ . /
Evil communications will bring distress.
4090. /56U @6W^©60 /blLlj eueQ^.
Friendship is stronger than close relationships
4091. /56U6V fi.a9/r isirpu^ mtrerr ®(5«(5"^.
A good man's life may continue forty days.
4092. i'5e\)€V er(Lp<ij^ /BSlQeu ^(i5«i«<i Qmrremeo ^Q£>/i^^ (^j)ii^*
A good Ietter-c?es^i7i2/-beiiig in the middle, how were the crooked
letters put in }
4093* f6<s\)ei) ay69>LD«F* ^eoe\)ir^ jffjr^ eQifi ^^fS WL^s^O^eoQmfd
(SufreofTih.
A king without a good counsellor, is like a wayfaring man wko
blind.
4094. fBe\)eo^ (SsiLi—feo f6/ruja(^LD eutpikisir^.
When the good becomes bad, even a dog will not use it.
4095. /5^ev^«(5 e^q^ Qufreoeoir^^^ Qurreoe\)n'/s^a(^ 6^(5 fsioeofii
A good husband may have a bad wife, and a bad husband im)
have a good wife.
4096. fBeve\) (^i^dS(^ mireo<iQ^rrQjj uib^iT&d.
One who holds a fourth share in a prosperous family.
4097. meoeo^ Q^iu^ iB®e^L^Q\u Quir^eo Qufreoevnr^ QuirSp^i
If you do good and walk in the middle of the road, the evil wii
find its own way.
4098. meoeo^ i6/rp?se\)ijb^ em^esi^ ^gstu^ <s6va>.
Of the good only four kalams^ of the bad cine kalams.
TAHIL PBOVIEBBS. 385
uireo spi^QiDir f
In its best days the cow gave scarcely a measure of milk, will it
yield a kalam after its calf is dead T
This proTerb may refer to the fact that milch, cows in this part of
India and in Cejlon refuse to give their milk ifi the absenoe of the calf.
The cow when goiug to a neighbouring honse to he milked, is aeoompa-
nied by its ealf which is often muzzled like a dog. When the milkman
is ahoat to draw the milk he allows the calf to sack for a few moments
and then tying it to the fore leg of the mother, he draws the milk,
while she standi quiet licking herofispring. Covis do sometimes allow
their milk to be taken when the calf is absent but it not infrequently
happens that the cow refuses to give her milk, and the calf is fetched
from the homestead to encourage the mothfo:* , '
If a calf die, its skin may he dried and stuffed- The cow deceived
by the device licks the effigy of her calf and yields her milk.
4100. iB&)eo f88ssres)6U ^^^if}^/s(Se\) Q^tLt^ /SSssr&neu iS^seo^ >
Entertaining good thoughts, is m fact leaving evil thoughts.
As the earth-worm imitated the graceful movements of the cob^a.
1102. /Beoe\) LDjrth mi=^i seSemtu^ flffir^^ mdFSr inir^^Qeo /eevev ^ssfi
A good tree yields not poisonous fruit, nor a poisonous tree good
fruit.
»103. /seo€\) u^jr^^ed Qp^^fB L/6u^(256fl(?u/r«w.
like a mistletoe growing on a good tree.
If the cow be a good one, will it not find a purchaser in its oWa
|. village!
1105« me^eo u^inL[f,p^ g^^ ^^y iB€\)eo Qumr^pii^ fftQ^ 0^/rcv.
A good bullock requires but one blow^ and a good woman only ono
word.
385 uifiQmirifi.
4106. /5^6VQ//r sessresaSso iB/r^sih uiLt^ir^La Qsfrs))6\)rrir^
Though it is before them the virtuous. will not kiU even a cobra.
4107. f5S0$\)6uesr ^Qsrj)i Quiuir erQis /bitlL 0<s=s^e^LD,
Time must elapse before one can get a good name.
4108. fSe\>eoGU'irmei(r g^nj /5/rc5r Q^dj^ ^LUSirjr^ffD^ ir^peistrir ; jj^
CSuir$\)y u2ssr ^q^ iBtrerr effsj)^^^^ ^ewreozf /r cQiLL^ens^f
Xhe good never forget a benefit; in like maiHier a pahnyrah tree
^ij^lds its })rodu<^e to liiim who planted and watered it.
'sr
4109* m^eosu^ €^t{§^Ga' /bQQ^ iS^Qyio ^Qifjtfi €uifii(^ih ^^m.
If there be but one good man present in a 8U;it, the greatest diffi-
culties will be solved.
4110* /56«e\) 6y/r/r^s3>^ Qs^frea-eSi (Btrtf^entu^ fliriiQ^esr,
He spoke Qonciiiatory words, apd touched my chin eringiTigljf.
J 1 .' UU <V"
4111. /5s\)6v ^eiTfkim&tQp ^efremrQ^,
My good young calf, dont be frisky.
■F n 1 ^>
4112. /ss\),e\)pLb s^erretf:,^ ^^e^pth,
Domestic virtue is excellent..
4(113. f^(sc(sp Q.eu^a9irjr,m ^pQ^fn^SSt— Qutr^Qf&si'.
He is.a good. servapt, but the river carries him away.
411;4. fBe^^ a-C- ji2/«@ ^&nJULJirppl, Qmfri^fr^iLi^rr^ih fsirsQpQ
Though you« mj^^y npt give rest to your, body, give rest to jora:
tongue.
4115. iBeosceuHr^^ ^.iksw^^w /5<ffU6V. u^asreS^ eQagifS- ISHrQuirso ft.^
tThe friendship of tfe^ good. will. prove, mieful liko, wateii foiling
goodsoilr.
TAMIL PROVERBS. SSTT
4116. fBeveofTGntri acssn^ireo /strdj(Suire\)^ Qutriosoiresiffi am-u.trei)
If he sees the good^ a dog, if he sees the wicked, a cat.
4117. iBeaectrentr /errekj ^iflaju Qu&^eo uioe\)ir(S6\) Ufli(^p H&^'
If one abuses his tongne by slandering the virtuous, maggots vrilF
drop from his teeth.
The good, like the oobray sometimes reatrain their power and conceali
themselves*.
Test the^good by the wx)rds of the tongue, and. gold on. a touch?
stone;
4120. iseaeeirir Quireoeotretntr iB\-.iesim\utrio ^jStust^fTii)^
The good and the bad may be known by their conduct;
The^ rain that falls on account of one virtuous person, is benefiqiall
to all.
1122. /56u(?6V?/r/r iBi^£es>s ^(Sojrrq^m^^ ^3e\)^
The act& of the virtuous are a. terror to the wickedi
Grow up virtuous, obsei've not days*.
H2l. i6p(^GSsr(Siii (Bei>eo. ^&v^^,
A good disposition is the best treasure;
When a faithful wife finds a good thing, she will hep it fpr h^
husband*.
388 uifiQunr^.
4126. fsdssr^^^ STiLise\)fri£itr ?
Would you wet your burden ?
4127. •fsSssriBj^ Qipeum eumpir^ a^ev/r/p^ e9p(m6s^d' (?<r^ii.
If the old man axive wet, there will be a consumption of dry fire
Wood.
Those who do good, obtain good ; and those who do evil receive evil
Evil will not spring from well-doing.
4130. /BekeffiiLiufresTGfi^i Q^Q^^ireo /s^i—^^^th /5<s^l^ld,
It is the greatest loss to destroy that which is good.
4131. iB^esiiULfijb ^esiiniLiLD ^ihsfnUiuQCoed Q^ifitLjih.
Good and evil are apparent in the present state.
4132. iB&srenlnentULj Qu^n^iS^ ^esiu^snius (^esyp^^ev m^Q&frjS,
To promote good' and to diminish evil is the right way.
4133. tBekemiD «65>l_l;i9^.
Persevere in that which is good.
4134. fBm(ffdj ^QJ^lB^^fTLD /5^69<^lL/— U SIrS) ^ fT JT th ,
The cakes prepared by Nalli are said to be excellent.
4135. iB&srpSi LDpCSeuev,
Forget not a benefit.
n' ■■■ I I r
4136. iB^jSi Q^djfi Sifiui96nSsfr€nuj^ Qsirmp sen^Qunreo.
Like the story of killing a mungoose that had done well.
The talo is-a mungoose seeiDg a dtadlj snake approach a aleepiof
infant, killed it. When the mother returned from the well she st^
blood on the animal, and imagining that it had bitten her ^^ ^
killed iti
TAMIL PKOYtRBS. 389
4137. ^/r ^9s>9\u mirQ Men^iLjiL.
When the tongae moves, the wkoU country mores.
The alluBion is to a despotic raler whose word b law.
4138. iBfT cresr^iuh jftL^jTLD sir^m ^q^CjSi^u^.
The letter is is the seat of God.
The tongue having no bone will turn any way.
4140. /6frd(^u L/jTiLi^ir Qutrs(^Cj Lj^e^wir.
Promise-breakers make excuses.
4141. iBiriiss^Lo ^iisemiD miLtf-esr^ £.62^0 3»(i£^^i(^i aiksasru^
We too tied coloured cords about our arms, but not a halter on th^
neck.
U42. iBir&^&iuird^Lt^ ^&frstnpuu(b/6t eurrfriS(ni^err iBtr^u^ ^mesypuup'
The mistress pours it out with one design, and I drink it wiht>
another.
Like murmuring in the absence of the mistress*
1144. /BfTtf-oj eujTLD «r6V6V/rii /8si>(^{i /5/riLr«OT,
A master who bestows all desired blessings.
IU5. Kir® jif/SijSP urriruuiT^m(^u i^^^io Qmem(SQuifr ?
Is a sacred thread necessary for a brahman, who ia known tbrougj^r
out the country T
H46. /5/r® €nE3(^LD euirifiifliT6\) (?«® ^m^ih ^so&o.
If the whole epuntry prospers^ no evil will happea
'8M uifiQuiirifi.
•4147, fsrrQ ^/ruuesr OdFoJ,
Bo what is agreeable to the <x)inmunity.
4148. ^i^(S siTt^inSpjpi ^ir® stfi(safi j^uQpjpj,
The oountry has become a jungle, and the jungle has become t
fruitful field.
A delayed gift becomes the hire for walking to receive it.
*4150. fBiriLt^iretr Qupp (5^^ /sfrs/F^sth Qu^ ene\)€0 (^tLif..
The child of the peasant is able to speak elegantly.
4151. iBiT^LA^iT^i^ gj(5 iS^Lt^frQerr/r ?
Does a boor require a page T
Though the country has a good ruler, the scavenger is not reliev
of bis burden of grass.
The country has received one downpour of rain, we have receive
two i., e., too much.
«
JSTo shame, no sense of honour.
4155. mnremih ^e\)e\>fr/s eurr^^i^ mtr^ ^s(^ih ah.^^.
Concubines on all Bides to a shameless teacher.
4156. /BfTemto ^e\)evfr^ ^k.fi^i(^ mrr^ ^i(^u^ eurr^so^
A shameless harlot has entrances on four sides.
An impudent woman gives occasion to be laughed at.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 391
4158. fBir^yih^nreo CSsir^i^th /5i.<S(^u> srreo ^i-^ii.
The foot of diffidence deviates, that of activity Btumbles.
As a melody and a soDg are in harmony, so must instruction be in
harmony with the Veda.
4160. fnirih gp0^0^^^ Q<95/r(9^^/r0O /6iD«^ 9^®^^ QmirQiJuiTfr^
If we give to others, some one will give to us.
**•
When we think of one thin^, the deity designs another.
4162. fsniu ^/SiLfUMT ^q^^m^u uirSssr p
Does a dog know which are sacred vessels I
4163. /stru9&fr iSsif)iu LQ^uuirar ^«fr^ /sevev ^Gssf<ss^!r eatrh^^i ^(i^'
Why tread on the dung of a dog, and waste good "Water to wash it off I
H64. mrnLjth ss&fl^^iLtf^u-iiiiQunrev,
Like a dog with a chatty of thick grueL
A dog and a civet cat are both alike to you.
1166, mfriLfU^ ^m i8e\)^^i(^ jrir^ir.
Even a dog is king in his own place.
167. /sfTtLjih y^^ssriLfiLQuireo^
Like dogs and cats.
168. fBiriLfCb euetriT^^ fBjr^^th euirQReuirQGsrm ?
Why keep a dog and clean up its filth T
169. fB/rQiu&sr O^rreo ^li^ueo/i^i^^ (qr^^Qm/r?
I am but a dog, will my word reach the assembly ?
S92 utfiQiLirifi.
4170. fBJfGnuj ^if-uuiresr ^&r ueo ^tfioi uiraruuir&sr ^ek ?
Why beat a dog, why make it grin T
4171. fBfretntu ^tf-uutrQesrm iSetniui' s^iLuUfrQesr&fr ?
Why^ beat a dog and cany away his filth I
4172. fsires)uj ^eu^ /sinu a//r2^ cr^@/z>^.
When you command a dog, he commands his tail.
If we see a dog, there is no stone, and if we see a stone, there is do
dog.
4174. iBiresiOji (^eifluuiriLtp^ /sQeff^iLi^e^) sftyeu^flireo eu/rSeoi Q^fff^
If you wash a dog and place him in the middle of the house, he will
wag his tail and go out to eat filth.
4175. /K/rcroojtf Qs/r^&^eo eurrsfniu /si^ih.
If you caress a dog> he will lick your mouth.
4176. iBireintus Qs!TQ£iS6iiLesiu.\uireo €rfSijS^(Suire\),
Like pelting a dog with cakes.
4177. fBtrtu ^Q^dSp ^L^^^eo ^essreinL^ fi-6gor®.
Where there are dogs, there is quarreling.
4178. mjrdj g^ &^ ^^kibLjm(^&' ^iQ^tre^a^LD; ^^(Suireo, fi/f_
Quj/riF Q^fTpu siriSoj^esi^ npt^^fltr^ib s^mQ^vea^Lb jy«oL.
A dog ia pleased with a bone, in like manner the low are pleased
with their own Uttlo acts.
The biting of a dog and the slippering of the wound to effect »
cure are ^iike^ paiiifUl.
Tppp*-
4180. fsiriu (ajSso^^. e^^iii utrifi ^(^uifr ?
WiU the idlliige be x\m^ by t)ie bfojdug of a dog t
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 393
4181. /BfTtu gSn)^^ eBif-iLjiDir, (Ssirtfi asLUtSil® eOtf^iLjUi/r ?
Does the day dawn because the dog barks, or because the cock
crows?
Mean as the dog is, he has the shade of a mango tree, — ^his curry is
flavoured with acid.
Is a miserable dog to be fed with cocoanut milk and rice ?
What matters it who takes away the vessel that the dog had
carried off 7
4185. i^^^ Q&bir^^i(^ QuirekiiTGsr ^&sr QmtriQs^ sirfi^eum Q^em
Why should a dog go to a temple, or why the keeper of a temple
pay a fine t
4186. iB!riui(y^i ^tf^eufrerrLD ^iLi^^pQutrsr),
Like putting a bridle in the mouth of a dog,
4187. isiTiui(^^ Q^ifJiLfturr O^sfra^u i9f^iss ?
Does a dog know how to catch a crane ?
4188. iBniji(^^ O^fiiLfQubT (o^irso Qsiisfnu ?
Does a dog appreciate an unhusked cocoanut ?
Good cow ghee is not agreeable to a dog s stomach.
U90. /5/ruj<i(g ^Q^u^Lji^sifiL^uQeo j^^eueo erek&sr ?
What business has a dog in an iron bazaar !
U9I. miTuji(^ QfiQP/^ QfiiiAirdj /»<i(giDvr ?
Will a whole cocoanut suit a dog I
394 u ipQ iniT ifi.
4192. miriii(^ (Seu^tLjm ^euSa), ^0«« QfstrQpu^ ^eo^,
A dog has nothing to do, and no time to rtst.
4193. iBiriii^^ ^^^ireo ^iTuji(^LD ffojireir.
If she becomes older than a dog, she will not be kind even to her
mother.
Why give a whole cocoanut to a dog, that he may roll it about tk
house I
4195. iBinuir^u QuiuHr Qp/i^LDfrSso, ^^p(^ ^iSiu u^v>u.i9p^
The name of the dog is garland, its food is bran.
4196. /5/ruj ^iea)^6S(^u (ourr€srjpQufre\)^
As a dog went to the market.
4197. fBfriu ^(Lp^^jr^^(Se\) (Suir^^ih /sigj^ ^mssfltir.
Although a dog may go to the sea, the water must be lapped.
4198* fBiTiu SiEJs^^dsr^u UL-L-.ih stLQtiiir ?
Can a dog invest a lion with a title f
4199. /5/5^«^ /5<i®<5F ^Qp^^fflD (^GDpiLjLIifr ?
Will the ocean be diminished by the lapping of a dog T
4200. /5/ruj utLu. UfT® ^t^iQ^iTLc^Limf^^ Q/sii^tLfiUfr ?
Are the sufferings of a dog known to the stick, with which he xcos
beaten ?
^201. /5/ruJ euinuuUiLL^ Q^&sr medeo^ ^(^tnir ?
Is the honey, defiled by a dog, fit for use I '■
4202. /sfTiu €uire9(Se\) Qfieisr esycu^^freo «^®«(g«i «L®Lb.^
Who will benefit by the honey placed on the tail of a dog I
TAMIL PROVERBS, '395
4203. /Btrdj Q//r(F%i}<s (BiT^^ erdr&sr, 6B)<s ^eo0^/r^€ii&tr uesari^frjSgirri
What avails the waiting of a dog at the door, or the expectations of
one who, having no hands, waits on the rich I
4204. iBiTiu a//r350«i (^essri(^ isr®d<x€\)inDtr ?
Can jou change the shape of a dog's .tail T
4205. /sfiu euirSeou ujb/61 ^ppSeo ^pij^edtrmir ?
May you descend into a river holding on by a dog's tail ?
4206. /5/riu eairifiis^ ereJresr, iiSssr ^treQ ^j^vfi^ erssresr?
What though a dog prosper, or a cat be bereft of her tdli f
4207. fBtriLi (Seu&^th QutrtLi^irio (^Sso««(Ja/6Mr®£i.
If you assume the guise of a dog, you must bark.
4208. /5/r/f ^p(ffp muQCa fSjrtiiLj ^p(^p ^h^QuMv P
If a fibre snap it may be united, if a tendon break can it be united T
4209. /srreviru} fl?jsO(tfi€S)peinuJu Ufrir^jSrr«\) fhireB^^La&ppuu^euiT^,
If relationship be traced to the fourth generation, even a barber may
become an uncle.
4210. iB/r€\)/reu^ QugSst izir/strtkiS Qp'Ssfri^u^ ^<i(^ ^^Sso.
A fourth born girl will not afford means even to procure a staple
for a bolt.
4211, mrr^ "^^ d^/p- e^rr^ uireoirjpi J^ijSpjpi,
If four rivers unite, the stream will be equal to the Paldr.
42l2. iBiT^ i9e(r^ Qupp€U(&^mr^ rsQ^ Q^(T^eQ(Se\) (S^irjp/^
A woman who has borne four children^ eats lier rice in the middle
of the street.
4213. «/rjiV Qunr «g6.jy.6W^ ^&du.
The meeting of four persons is an assembly.
396 utfiQu^fTtfi.
4214. /5/rj^ti ^iTfiwrOii 0<F/r«V)^«(35 c_^^, -gj^^ (?€Wjjfii u«)
Naladiy^r and the distiohs of YalluTar are terse in construction,
the twigs of the banian tree and the Acacia are good for the teetk
The tender fibre of the banian and AoAoia are said to cure a gnni'
boil, and therefore they are used for cleaning the teeth.
4215- fsireoeuQjrtr QfleuQjnr ?
Are they the four,, or are they celestials T
4216. f6/rs\)eunr eurri(^^ Qfseuiir €Utrss(^,
The testimony of four persons has the authority of a divine oracle.
4217, f6frsQ€\) i9p<s(^iD /SGirsifiiiiiLiUi ^etnLbiLjLD,
The tongue produces good and evil.
4218. fs/rekjif^ ^€if)^m^s/r€0 uirenii^ ^ein^iLfLD/
If agreeable to the tongue, it will be metrical
He that can eat a measure of rice may defy even the regent of fc
dead.
Though a cloth is sold for a measure of rice, the dog goes naked.
4221. iBiri^ uearui QsirQ^flfr^Cb ^e^u uiLi^th Quirssirjp,
Though one give a measure of fanams, his ill fame will not be I^
moved.
4222. fsirtfi QpseufT^ /s/r^ifi.
One measure cannot contain foar measures.
4223. iBfrerr ^p^Sp^ meoeoirHr ^p(a^fr.
Time effects that which the virtuous cannot achieve.
J
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 397
Better is the kala berry eaten to day, than the jack fruit in prospect
for to-morrow.
4225. rsirp^ ^ppeo /5/fl'i(5« QmrekfTL^friLL^m.
The jackal is pleased with drizzling rain.
4226. fB^frpdo tSSssru u^Sssru urrrruu^Qutrc^i.
As the cat looks at the fish which has become putrid.
4227. iBirpeo ^tresaSiis(f)uj iD^uuirm <sr«Br /s^sv) ^^ssr&sSHi' euirir^^s
Whj tread on filth and waste good watier in washing it off T
4228. fB/rpp (S^frpj)ii(y^u u^th uiriruutT&sT ^m ?
Why inquire if the rice is properly boiled, seeing that it is unfit for
food?
4229. mtfpp «yL-eu£i meovb ^^e\)fr unLun'mL^ih,
A fetid body, a useless earthen vessel.
4230. (Birp^€^i m^Q^^(^ mfrQm ^^mirH.
I have the command of four kaJaiils of gruel.
■ '■II ■ >>■ I I m
4231. iBirpu^ Q<sFm(ffe^ /5fnui(m^ s^S.
Lik6 a d<^, if over forty*
■ *■! ■ iin
4232. fBfreyf^eoiJo fS&sreSeo /^truj^th ^eoeSI,
Learning is a gem when compared to the four kinds of soil.
They are the hilly, -foresbj-agricultui'al and maritime tracts of a
country.
I have lived long and become grey-headed, but I have not seen a
moving jungle.
4234. /5/r^ih j^fSQoj^ J^^(ef^th Qurij Q^fr€d€0ir9rr.
I indeed 4,o not know ; nor will she tell a lie.
398
U IfiQ IDfTl^.
4235. /B/reJr ^iLi^ il(^is^ui Quirm ^iLL,tr^ is&r^Si Ga/gt
The medicine I gave, as a charm, will not allow him to go ; tl
sarasparilla, an ingredient, will not suffer him to die.
The proverb i^elates to charms, in which, as in magical arts gener
ally, the Hindus in every part of India and Ceylon, have great faitt
Serrants have recourse to this device, and loverri also, for the pui
of iufluenciog the affections and will of those whose favoar or
pliance they desiderate.
The usual method, as indicated in the proverb, is to adniinisteri
the food of the party the ingredients that are fitted for the pui
contemplated; of course the preparation is surreptitiously added
the food of which it is known the tndi?idaal is aboat to partake.
A gentleman of my acquaintance recently dismissed all his serrai
and took into his service a person in whom he appeared to pUce
greatest confidence. The neighbours and the discarded serrani
believe that the gentleman acted under a charm.
Some of the things used for certain purposes as charms, may aoti
mentioned here. The brain of a male child &c^ are considered tc
potent.
Professional magicians are employed when stolen property or bi
treasure is sought. The magician uses a black preparation, a
quantity of which is placed on a betel leaf and put into the hands oil
attendent boy, who is directed to look steadily at it, aided by theligl
of a lamp, while the magician invokes the presence and aid of oei
deities. When the boy announces a phenomenon, say a tree,
monkey or a dog or a goblin, he is told to do obeisance to
to encourage further discoveries. Tlie earth may cleave asunc
and reveal the thing wanted, or a scene, including a house
certain persons going and coming, water &c., may appear, when the I
proceeds to describe the objects before him, as an earthen pot, ori
bangle dee., die,. as the ease may' be.
To discover a thief among suspected persons sometimes dry grti
as rice may be' given to be eaten. The person whose mouth
cietes no moisture for mastication is supposed to be the thief.
4236. fBfr^ ^Gfretfyp erearem eQ^ ^afrenp efm&tSip^.
While I expected: one things deatinj ordained. aaotlidr«.
TAMIL PEOVEEBS. 399
4237, fsir&tr /slLCSl^cst tBtr^&sr uu9ir ^«Sg)6ir,
I planted ; god caused it grow.
42J8. iBir&fT i9if,^/s Qpiu^m^ ^m^ s/reo.
The hare that I caught had three legs.
4239. /S<Fii ^69r^ u«u ^duQ /?«^tD,
One thing ascertained will remove many evils.
4240. iS^/rih ^si)eQ flsssftf-so S^mr^smfrjrBssrs ssssru.^ ^^ekri^tr P
"Was any trousered sepoy seen in the army of Nizam Aly t
4241. t8&^(SireSfr aehrdssm^ Q/Siueuih Qs®i(^ih, (S^ubfr^sr ^ekr^ffmu
God will destroy the eyes of an oppressor, and a bribe will destroy
the eye of an upright man.
4242. iS;iflth £rfreuirfri(^ ^(Lpeufrfr vuessTL^tr ?
Do any weep when deaths are of daily occurrence ?
4243. iS^flUi Quir^ev Qpppih ^6QdS(mijb^
If you continually go thither, even the court-yard will be weary of
you.
4244. iS^^uji «6wrL-ii) ^kim ^iLj^.
Constant trouble, long life.
'il&y new moon fare be expected daily ?
The proverb refers to tho ceremonies which are performed, ai the
period of tho new. mooiij in honour of deceased ancestors. On these
occasions the household eat only once during the day, but the food is
of a superior kind and prepared with great care in cooking utensiU
that are kept for sacred purposes. If a brahman be present he offerft>
oblations of sesamum grain and water to the manes of the dead,
naming each in-order as fur back as the- third generation^
400 uffiQuiiri^.
Id tome parts of India ceremonies supposed to affect the state of
the dead are performed no less than ninety-six times every year. Tke
ceremonies of the Ancient Komans of like kind are hinted at bj
Yirgii and Horace as is known to the classical stadent.
4246. fS^^esifr ^^^(5,
Sleep is an enemy.
4247. /S^^€B)/r <»«ii) ^jjSiuirjp^
Sleep is unconscious of enjoyment.
4248. iSih^dssi Q^treoQeoeo, M^ €S)sui3£f.^
Speak no reproachful words, do justice.
4249. SiLQef^QiBjTLL £p(^ijci ^eiruii Qp/S^sruib^
Momentary pleasure is inferior pleasure.
4250. iSiBe^ QiBjrui £tf.uj ^diruth.
A pleasure that lasts but a moment.
4251. iSiB/S/Sih u/rtr^Qpeuek ^jressn^sisrrSi mmek^ Quir^m^m
He who consults omens is the son of a deceitful woman, he vta
enquires into the fitness of persons for rmrriage is the son of i
vicious man.
4252. iSiBirib^ (SufTilt^jp eri^^sr (^eSi^ erQ^/c^ er^esr ?
What is lost by an erect posture, and what gained by stooping ?
4253. iSiss>wu Qufr(ipQ^^iii ^evSso /?<f slL-cIi.
The vile body will not endure even for the twihkling of an eye.
4254. %6i//r«»r Q^^^^^ jS(r^9Sso ^tLif^esreueir e^u^^iuatrirm.
It were an act of foUy to wear clothes in a country where' all g»
naked.
4255. iBeo^^ «r(g.«/» yswr® i8eo.i^&) a,tf.ajQeumr®,ii,
Pknts decay on the ground from Tplich they sjwui^.
J
TAMIL PBOVBBBS. 401
4256, ^eofi^p(Qfi fS(^ifl eseSt^ih (^€0^^p(^^ fi(S^f^ (^Mropih^
Fruit appropriate to the soil> and quality agreeable^ to one's rank,
4257. SeOLD mi^msu ufnueoirtBfT f
Can you clear the earth at a leap ?
4258. ^eoQfi(^ ^eS^j^u ujrQ^^ih Quireir^Qijfreo.
Like going to another country to escape from moonlights
4259« fSisd ^eoevfrm euirir/ie9>/s SiQtDeo ^TQ^fi^.
The words of the unstable are letters on vrater»
mmmmaammmmmmmtm^iim»
4260. ShoiQp laSQiueo.
Swerre not from rectitude.
4261. SSsoeniu eQiLL^rreo S^m^
When out of your depth> swimming.
•«***.**«ti
4262. j9ev€vn'<s a/reoif, Q/sQih ^ffw Quir^u^.
Ceaseless walking accomplishes great distances.
4263. ^eoeitrjgi ^jpih i82soQuj aeoeQ^
Learning alone is enduring> all else is evanescent.
The body may be compared to a shadow^ and to thefk
4265. ^ipeo ^(i^esiLD QeavQeBeo QflifjiLjih^
The salubrity of shade is realised in sunshine.
4266. iStpeo mioeo^ QpSjpif Ouireoe^irfl^^
The shade is good^ the ants are bad.
4267. iSeoipi^ ^PfSlQeo QuQ^fammuih ^es^srpfs^Qunea^
Like dissolving assafoetida in a flooded river.
4268* ^es^p Qutr^iBQeo ^(L^esifB euiruj ^w^^trpQuir^.
As an ass put its moutii into a full sack
sa
•402 uffiQiJbirffi,
I do nob want a kuruni heaped up, give me a kuruui of grain level
with the hrim.
4
42T0». fS2ssfS(^Qp^ euQ^euirm /SSssruU^ih jgQ^eurresr,
He will come before you thiok of him, he will give what youm-
tend applying for;
Will heavy rain fail as we may wish I
42:72:. iSdssr^^jp ^(5*.f5 iBSssrujiT^^ (oTiu^u)^ iSissr^^M eui/i^Si^^
When one thing is expected another may come,, and thatwhici
is^ thought of may possibly come.
When the lofby tsees are felled, Che remaining trees look tall
42.74. iS^p OeuGfrefT^Gfi/^iLith euifl Qeuefreirih Q^irreiisrQCSuifSpfii
The flood: that was, has been swept away by the flood that foUot
42:75. fS&sTQr^so Q/bjSI Lojrih e9(igm^!reo u^mirui.
When standing, a tall trae,. when fallen^ a palmyrah tree*
4276» iS&sTQffpQutre^ eQ'QpiE^ireb fi2so aL.6»/L.tt/ii.
If you fall as you stand, your head will be broken-.
'■ J ™^<g— '^^
4277.. S^jnrssreufir iQ^soQupM sevioVfrir,
The base do not persevere in study-.
4278. /Sl-.Q eQ^€9>^ «r(2^^.
Boasted learning will not avail:
4279. MeSSTlL^ 0S3<S QfB{TJ^LJLI ^^(^ih.
The stretched hand viU ladis out firet.
i
TAiriL PBOVEBBS. 4€ft^;
4280. MessTL^ jsS^^ih (^jptSiu Qmirios^w.
Length to the carpenter^ shortneBS to the stnith.
The former can easily shorten wood by cuttipg,-the smith oao^
lengthen iron by beating.
4281, iSekfTL, Ljeo Sps iSip&iirint^ ?
Will long grass afTord a shade t
A ready affirmation would answer this in central Afi^Lca*
* »
Will sufficient rain fall in a city where justice cannot be obtained ?^
4283. /?^ Qsemru^eo fl2so QeutKSsutrirsetr/r?.
Will they cut off the head without judicial .proceedings T '
4284. ii^u^trGsr ^sQSssr. 0^dju9p iSentfiCiutr^^.i^ g)6^^/r^a/6ir /?^>
Will a virtuous man escape death if he do evil^ will the unjust die^
if he do justice ?:
4285. /^ iSjrirQeo 6Q€o8^iU iBjr&sr QiSQ^uurrQeo ^eoSi(S<ssr&r^
You have escaped an accident by water. 1 have escaped one by firowt
4286* IS ifliniriLi^iTfleu^ ^iW*- O^irmrQQuirSp^^ ,
The river carries away him who cannot swim.^
4287. IS i9plri(^ e^fieQ Q^iu^frso Q^4ueuui ^fsr^i;^ 9L.fleQ.Q^djiLfLD^^
If you hdp others^ God will Kelp you; .
4288. iijrd5ih Qu/TQi^/B^ttJ ^Mjr^fi^0.
Live in a village where there is a good supply of water* .
428%. /f/fl^ eTQ^fi^ir^ip ^««ndr;
The body is an inscription on water. .
1290. /ff/fi/D (S^i^ ^ijTuy,
Ihabody is a bubble ou water. .
404 uipQu^irtfi.
4291. /?0^ Qsirio^ib Qf^0ULfih QstrsO^fiiih^
Water kills, and fire also kills.
4292. S^ir ^tf,/iflireo QsuQifLbtr f
Can water be divided by a stroke ?
4293. /f«5)/r«F S/s^3ssr(Siuir 9ef>fr^' S/B^dsttrCStuir P
Did you spiU water, or did yon spill your character I
The depth of water may be ascertained, but not the depth of
heart.
4295. ^"^ e^iujr Q/seo s^tfj^ii).
As the water rises^ the rice plant rises.
4296. ^^ ^etreir unLQih iS^^^ar ^etr^Cb,
The young fish will sport as long as the water lasts.
4297* /^^ er&iTjy Q^gesr^eo Q/bq^ulj ^eBujuar?
Can fire be quenched by pronouncing the word water !
4298. fSir ffr&fT^ Q^ireoeo Qm^uuiriu Qpif-jBfi^.
When it was said to be water, it turned out to be fire.
4299. iSira^iL utrSCou/reo QentriQsirefreirir^ ^
As moss in water, it will not take root.
When th<5 water goe8> will the fish leap about T
4801. fSirQiop (^lSl^Quit^ S'Sqo ^eoeoiri s/riuth.
The body is unstable as a bubble on water.
4302. Str eQSsfrtu/rQt^eo.
i)o not play in watet
4308. ISei>^^i(^i sjpfuLf paoiiLi^QeuGkQuiir f
Is black dyed in blue [
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 404
To speftk BO as to confine the blue dye to (he shiHa of Hie cloOu
1305. Sdli^i^mesifir iamu>a9Q€0.
A teimag&nt ha» her tears in the eyelids.
i306. si^LJ Li^^iLnr&r ^tLu S^^eutr&r^
The shrewed are successful.
1307. jsiekresSliu ^iresrui s^GDiruufrirm&r Q^irmesr^eo ^&irjpiih /scu
They give wise counsels, but they themselves walk not according
to any one of them,
1308. ^mGfSiu SQi^uiQpiD €ressf€sSflf ^estS\.
Although a small thing, do it after due thought.
They become possessed of discrimination by imparting instructicae^
on abstruse subjec!ts,
310. ^€ikres>iJb jpaQjrio^
Be not particular in food.
The affluence of this world is as froth.
Hunger cannot be satisfied by eating froth.
813. ^GRip eQtLQ Q^iu jsareo sp^ jft^da^^
Build a house with an entrance/ acquire learning and be humble^
B oes a fisherman understand the value of gems I
i
4315, ^Sstnueir Qu&'&r ^ihueoih ^qff^.
^9?be words of a fisherman will not reach the assembly.
Having ascended to the extremity of the bought will they sever it
from the tree !
JSIT.
'4317. ,^^ ^doeoirubeo ll/tSso Q^^tr^fB^Qu^eo.
Like making a garland of flowers without a string.
'4318. jsrev sppeuQesr Qubeaeu&sr ^euir^^
The learned only will gain eminence.
4319. ,MJV ^essi® ^Q^Lb dseoeQ^uj (?/5/r<£(^.
Though a hundred years old, diligently acquire knowledge.
A hundred offences must be forgiven as if only six faults*
The learning acquired in a hundred days, will be lost by six im
neglect.
Tliough Hie debt may increase to another hundred, bake the
in ghee.
Though a hundred years old, he is only a young plant to the regei
of the dead.
•4324- Jpn'pj^^(^ §!l(T^uuiTir ^Uiu^e\) ^irafrir.
Those who will live to be a hundred, will not die at fifty.
•4325. j^p^i(^(SLLSO ssapjpfy ^u9jr^^i(^(oLbso ^pjnuOuQ^i
After a hundred a spring, after a thousand a flooded river.
4326. ^pjpii(^ 5^(5 QuS'Sr i^aSjrfl^^^ gp0 fii^ ^caifuLi.
When he ia worth a hundred, a trord, when a thousand^ a mete nod.
4327. j^penpi Qm(Sl^fl^ (^j^esiff.
Ooe measure of chaff spoiled a hundred d/ grdin^
1328. ^m(tpGs>p QfiSii^ 9€v/iOflfr(ip^^ \
Ascertaining the rules of the Yeda, live yirtuously.
1329. QiB^sr ^fiSiUu QuiTiu Qi^ir€oe<^^irQiDn' f
May one tell a lie knowingly ?
There is no deceit which can be concealed from the mind.
1331. QiBtf-tuirrr (^/Siuiresirr ^pfSQso Q^iSiLfLD,
It will be known in the river, who is tall and who is short.
332. QisQih dSL^d\) ^tf^iLjLD iSSeoQiu se\)6Q,
Though you may cross the broad sea your learning will remain
with you.
333. Q/B®th us^s^ui ^&v^Lnesrih &^62»r®.
Even a long day has a sunset.
What has a weaver to do with a young monkey t
535. 0/5(u«g£_;i^6V er^LbLj QuairujfiijSjpQufre)^
As the ants swarm on a ghee pot.
J36. Q/6fLri(^L.th suemuififrdo /Biriui(^ eS(7^m^^
If the ghee pot is broken, the dog has a feast;
lS7. Q/5Uji(^u.th £.«0L_/5^^ fB/nui(^ (SeuiLesit^^
The breaking of the ghe^ pot, is a huntix^g excursion to the dog.
«0» utfiQibfT^.
4338. Qmjesiiiy ^(^iS^ fiaQGDiru OuQ^iQiF ^/rui9L^Q6umQui,
Use ghee after melting, and curds dilated.
4339. QfSQ^^S Qpeir Gf)fl^flir^ih (^isSik^ ^eoevCSeuir i98i«
■ * I i«
Though it be but a thistle that has entered your foot, you must dt
down, must you not, to pull it out !
4S40* QlBQ^UtS&i FF QuiiriU6S(^L[iir f
Will fliea swarm in fire ?
4341* Oi6(mLJi9£^LD Ouireoeoir^^-^jfi^jtSeir euiretjyfl.
The distresa of famine is worse than that of fire.
4342. 0/5(5Ui9j)2/ii> Qutre^eorr^p Q^(^ljl].
Shoes worse than fire.
4343. Qf60ut9Qeo Lf(Lpu upjpm^f
Will worms breed in fire I
4344. QiBQ^uLf ^^th Uiu9iru uireoQpiD.
A river of file, and a bridge of hair.
4345. OiBQ^uLf, ^e^eofFLLp Lfms Lfesiau^intr ?
Will there be smoke where there is no fire ?
4346. OiBQ^uLf idesrp ai¥iLtf,(Seo t^^fr&J^ iQm(ff^LD /S/D^tfl, *'
^&sfp miriLt^i^ ^gstj^lb iSpsir^.
Something may possibly rem^n ift a forept after a fire, but noito*]
r^nains after a fioad.
'f " ■
4347. OiBq^uLj €r^(yeo eairiu Qen/^tnir ?
By pronouncing the word fire, will the mouth be burnt ?
Whether you ta?ead on fire ^tKngly oT unawaies, it will bum you.
TAICIL PBOYEBBS. 409
4349. QfB(7^U€fnu^ Q^nrfi^ lu/ra/ti) ^fi&ir iSi(Dinir(^Lo ; ^jp^u/r€v,
Things put into fire partake of its colour, in like manner will it
happen to those who join the great.
4350. QiBQ^uLf&f SfiSl^ ermjpi Qp&srQy3ssru9id Qfit^iueoinLir ?
May you tie fire in the skirt of your cloth bei^kuse a mere spark ?
4351. Qmqi^uenu^ ^8w Sifi/rtiju i9tf.^fifr^tja ^^&sr SreurrSso Stfitr
Although you carry fire head downwards, will the flame bum in
that direction T
4352. Qmeo 6r®«s<SQ/ib Lfeo €r®iseiiih ^^Q^fr f
Am I destined to carry both paddy and grass T
4353. QiBeo^LD s^LjLiih i9gif>3'ib^ s^essremi ah^QLOtr ?
Will a mixture of paddy and salt be agreeable to the palate ?
\ _ ^
4354. 0/BSO^ euens ^ressresaH^^iii uetretr eu€S)6S eressressri &k^u.ir^^
Though one may enumerate the various kinds of rice, he cannot
enumerate the varieties of the palla caste.
1355. QiBeo eQSstr/B^ ^^LSiLjuy ^jSujiriu, iSe\)fr erpSi^^ ^u.(Tpih ^jS
You do not know a rice crop, nor a moonlight space.
It is useless to teach those who diviate from rectitude.
1357. QfBpuu9ir eGSsfT.
Cultivate rice.
1358. (S/B^^jr iLesSiQiu ^^^jr ^etsSQoj^
The apple of the eye, is an ingenious piece of mechanism.
410 uffiQtLirifi.
4359. (S/BiuQin /9p^th,
Love alone will abide.
4360. Q/Bjrrr QiBirmLj 9ir j^^ir^^
Fasting without a vow is not good.
Though repeatedly told, the base take no heed.
4362. (S/s/ruL- g&(2^(g.
Behave evenly or agreeably.
The bald headed woman who came but yesterday, is whining for]
ghee to eat with her rice.
4364* QiBpj^ euiB^ir^ui ^tp, ^saeisr /sdeou9e\) eBq^i^fSfTLn ^if., \
It is said that he took up his abode only yesterday, and he has been |
struck by lightning. ' '
4 365, ssy!B6^.fiLb Ljs^euiri(^ e^etrs^^thi
Naishadha is a cordial to poets.
4366. etn/Bueuir ereofl^m Q/b/tujoj s^€{nfr(puj€0^
Speak not roughly even to a beggar.
4367. €SiiB[U6s spaS^iLb Q/Bfnuiu fs&sr^ ^^enfr.
Though mollified by learning, speak effectively.
4368. 29)/56)92s8r iB^iiQ^eo,
Go not near that which is pernicious.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 411
4369. Q/sirtf-uQufT^ii^ •53S*«wf?(?£-ffU. ^' r
Lose not even a moment of time. '
4370, Q/sirmrif. Qisiresftrtf. fBu.uuirCoesr&ir aemL^^p[)(^ eri^evirih
ues)L^Ljufr(S&sr&sr ?
Why walk limping, and why offer oblations, to every god you see ?
4371, QtBiTestsrif-i (^^€if)fri(^^ ^^iS<ssrjp ^iri(^.
To slip is the excuse of the lame horse.
4372. Q/snr/B^ eiessr ^(5«i<sB (SiBirsfri' messT^)ii(^ ^(5/5^.
Applying medicine to the sound eye, instead of to the one diseased.
Those who are well versed in classical Tamil know not want.
4374, QiBirdj ujidS QsfT^ Qurrj^6S(^LDir ?
Will bruised rice bear boiling T
4375. QiBir^Eis^ ^eir(n^irdS(^ \^j^ euiu^.
Those who masticate their food, live a hundred years.
4376, QtBir^T^ e-Gssrn'QGUfrir ^eoaSewaj Qmirpoufrlr,
Those who study unmindful of the pains attending it are devoted
to learning,
4377, QtsirmiTLLeo ^t^iSQpm giiuirtoso ^(tp.
I will beat you without giving pain, set up an unceasing cry.
4378, (SsiriaifiQ^ir^[S!(Q.
Be careful to ^tcure your object.
4379. QiBfrim QiBir^i^eii QiBirmmiTQpesr (oiBiri(6^6^&sr^
He whom we seek to see, has already seen us.
412 utfiQuMTifi.
4380. Q/B/nupp eutrtfiQeu eurrfpeij ^enpeupp Q^eoeuCSin Q^eoenui*
Freedom from sickness is trae happiness^ and competence is true
riches.
'T
4ij81. (S/Birojfreifli^ ^«»<f a//r/f^«D^ Q^iTGsr^pQuireo.
Like uttering soothing words to a sick person.
4382. QiBtrvuireSi eB^iuireifl ^^eo u/fl«/r/fl Qujrire^ ^eunr&sr^
If destiny favours the patient^ his doctor will obtain fame.
4383* Q/Bfrujtreif)i^^ Q^iHtLfth QmiruQi&sr euQ^^fltb^
The sick person knows the intensity of his suffering.
4384. (o/BfTiu QsfreiirL^rrir QudjQ^iressn^irir,
The sick are like those possessed of demons.
4385. Qisirdjf^^p f^2ssr iL^es>f5 iBi(^iiiirQuiT(Seo^
As a lean cat licks the chumstaff.
4386* (SiBiTtu^ifi LjeQ ^S^Lb winL(Bi(^ o/eS^,
Though the chetah is sick, it is stronger than on ox.
4387. QiBireoiresuntQ^io QLDeoiresrjpQuirih,
By neglecting religious austerities supreme good will be lost
4388. (S/BfTeif g^(j5 uiath g)(5«<5^ (g® €^q^ ui^ih QutriLuifp
Quires.
like branding the side that is not affected by disease.
4389. (StBirGSTLj er&ru^ Qmtresr^ ^6irg)65>LD.
Not to take life for the purpose of eating, is to fast.
4390. QfseneQ^ Q^frtfieo meoih.
Youthful education will prove beneficial.
4391. Qf6err€Qu9p(ff(o0ar Q^iueuplesieuai «tfU,
Know God when you are young.
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 413
4392. QiseireQiLiih (Lfs^€s>tDiLiih /sQe^ iDppea&r.
He who is without youth, old age, or manhood.
4393* Q/B6ireSiLiih eufrtfii€(r>siLiih j^tfiaeoeo, iBp(^essTLb ^&sr(Sp ^lfi(^.
Youth and affluence do not form one's beauty, goodness alone does.
4394. useQp uisih uirar^^u Qusr^ ^iir^fljrir^^SliBeo ^^fitr^u^
By day, look round and speak, at midnight do not utter a word.
4395. useBp u^jP/sfiiueQevdso ^jreSeo erQ^ssym QfiX^u^iLfr ?
Not being able to distinguish a cow by day, how can he distinguish
a bu£yo by night f
4396. uSltf.i(^u u^jsi^ ^/^^ ^Q^uuiTiUBli^ ^q^ mJTSr^
Ten cash for a comedy, one cash for a sacred song.
As the snake bit the jester.
4398. U(^^^eo ^eoeoiTfl ^esSe^ uirjrth ^eoeonr^ auueo^
Daring without prudence, iaoLBo, ship without ballast.
Attempt nothing without consideration, and do nothing hastily.
4400* u^sia^F Q^iiQiuio mj^ Q^esresruu®^
Do not create enemies, act discreetly.
You must ndn' tiie faanily of your enemy by feigned friendship.
The friendship of foes 13 like fire concealed in smoke.
4U uifiQu>irffi.
4403. uiiStreSi (aj/^ 0<s®i;« Qeisiia»frtuu^ ^eSQu/rk^^ Q^ir&rarji
Quires),
Like advising his partner to plant onions in order to effect his raia
4404. UDSir&fi effQ QeuStp^ a^ii^irmQ^iresBrQ fiesfTGi^nr eS®.
The house of my partner is on fire, pour water with a pipe.
4405- uiidsiTeiflu^th uesriisunLiLD ujsihufriir^^ QeuL-i^QeueifrQui,
Observe the proper time for cutting a partner and palmyrah fid
4406. uffi/0<59fl erekjii UQ^uu^ih ^ev2sOj Sfi^esya- er^^ Sj^uH
It wont grow larger because it is Panguni,-lfarcA-nor smaller be-
cause it is Chittarai-^prii.
4407. uii(^€Sw!r^LL uaeoeuL^ jBu.mfieussr Quq^ihutreQ.
He that goes abroad in the day time in If arch, is a great sinner.
4408. f-J^ ^eoeoiTflea^i^m afiuL/ u>u9ir tufr^^jnh^
He who is. not ]iungry cares not a hair about famine.
4409. uS (STuLi&^irjTjQijLb Lfefl <^uuimirjrsjitu^ &k.iL®uui£iff ^t^^f
Qutreo,
As two men, one belching through hunger, and the other by \^
gestion> were associated in joint tillage.
*■! ■ ■
44t0. urn (^j^neurr^Lb erq^^ ek.eis>ifieuir^LD.
A cow with a long' tail, an ox. with a short one.
441.1 • u&i(^m' SfS Qeuessri^iTLDy ^^Mfi^i(^u uirtu (Seit€iiru.irui»
When hungry cuuy is not needed, nor a mat when sleepy.
4412. u&i(^u uesTu^ utfiLtr^&STQr^e^ tS^^ih ulLl^ uitQ Ui^u@u^
'B&t palmyrah fruit to satisfy hunger> no matter about the bilew.
Balmyrah fruit is believed to be very biBons.
4.41i3. LjQ ^irm^'^ir^eo untLQ ^^umtrih^.
Songs are pleas%.ut pfter refection* , .
TAMIL PROVERBS. 415
4414. uQfifi uenpiu^th (^etO/i/B 69)<Fa/j3g/Lb ^irui9u.ir^ ^^^^.
A hungry pairiah and a saiva that has bathed^ must have eaten first.
There is nothing edihU which the hungry will not eat, there is
no reproach which the malevolent has not uttered.
4416. uQ^^eu<^(oinso /BiiitS^es)^ GDeai^svfnbrr ?
Can confidence be placed in a hungry person T
4417. uS^^ Q^iLtf. uirii^^ P^Cy.®^*
It is said that a hungry merchant chewed betel and arica-nut.
441&, u&^^meisr uuupe^p GBes)fidsiLQth.
Let the hungry sow peas*
4419. u^^^eu&fT uipia e^emief^^u Ufriruu^Quir^^
As a hungry nxan looks at his old accounts.
4420. u&^^irir QuffQ^^iii. Quiru^ ufr-^t^m ^ekesrih LiSfi^mr Ouir
The^ dun goes down on the hungry, and' also on those who eat their
rice and milk.
er&sru ^Quired,
Like saying,' put before me some old rice if there be any, and I
will give you medicine that will prevent. your hungering again..
I ' I!..
Does hunger appreciate flavoursy or slteep • enj oyinenfr .^
. I »
Hunger is ignorant of flavours, sleepiskignoTtmi.of enjoyment
4424. LJ& eu/B^if,ei) u^^Lb upfB^Qumh^,
Mu2iger dissipates the tep»
The Ud, £!]?•• tiie flr« sensed and' Uieitorgasi^.
416 uifiQuifr^.
4425. u^sj^nuQumjpi uir^^LD sjpiuuir f
Because the cow is black, is her milk also black I
4426. us^e' ^nr^iD uiriruUifGsr ^€if)ipu^ih ^estfTL^ir f
Are there any gentle cows, or poor brahmans ?
4427. uai-^ Q^ireo (Su/nr^^u LjeSlu Ufriu^^io uiribSp^.
To wear a cow skin, and spring like a tiger.
4428. usruQuirQeo ^q^i^ Lj^uQuirQeo uardjS(rydj.
Gentle as a cow, you spring as a tiger.
4429* uar mjr^^eo gd^^^ ^esSQuireo.
like a nail driven into a green tree.
The falling of the cow^ is a gain to the tiger.
4431* usrenji^ ^^fr Qs!r(S<iflfreo, m^jnLtresr uireo Otf/rSigi^
When a cow is fed she yields sweet njilk, so the fitvours she^*|
the goed will bring a reward.
4432. uer€s>eu6B QairGsr(ffeo ^ekjpj i9^ifii(^mir ?
If you slaughter a cow, will its calf live ?
4433.. usr^eui Qair^jpi Q^qj^ul^^ ^rresrih Q^iu^^ Qufreo,
Like killing the cow and giving shoes made of its hide.
4434. u^etDeu ^if^^^u L/eSigj^ fliresrm QairQ^Qpfinr ?
Do you kill a cow, and make an offering of it to a tiger f
4435. u^mea ^pQjp amj)/i(^ eutpm^irf
Having sold the cow, is there a dispute about the calf t
4436. o<F<r/p. aehn^irei) ^iLL^i^LbsQetr. \
Daughteri if jwi find.him zich^ diiig to hiisu
TAMIL FBOVBllBlir. 417
4437. u^^2eoiLfLD Q&r&TuuQQiLir ijjrtrujrQih!
0 Ood^ is a tender plant also to foe cut Off!
If raw provisions are giveo, the suis of the present foirth will be
removed, if white dlotha are given, the sitis 6f ibnner births will
be cancelled.
4439. u^egy^^ SiHuLju ueo^ds(^i (Sa(B ^fii/ U(^<s<»>« ^uSp^i
Feigned laughter is bad for the t^eth, and scattered grains <^f
boiled rice are bad for the stotnach.
Yoa may serve a pariah for paddy.
4441. u^€(D^ LDetkfr^ptih StlLl^ Lbem^^ih ^iLQllit ?
Will moist and burnt day unite t
4442. u^etn^ Lojrih ul^u uirnruurr^^
He can stare so as to make a green tree ieiky.
If so much to the green tree, how much to the dry ?
4444. u^^uy ^eoeoirs sn'e\)^Qs\) uQ upi(^Lb,
In i^he absence of famine hunger flies away.
4445. u^&'Lb QufTih u^fF^^p ULJi^ eu&n^ (Sunrkir^,
The famine will end> but a scar then made Will not pass awky.
The little ones starve excessively.
1447. u^^/rda^th Quir^^u^ miL&'^^jnh Qufrmrr^,
Though astrological calculations prove false^ the stars will not.
■ . {
;A]i old picture covered with <lust.
27
413 t^^y)(3.mtr,jfii^ ,
4449. u^a^u Quir^)Qeo Qm(ii^ULfU uu.L^^C^Uir^^
Like fire touching a bale of cotton^
4450. u^.3r,uQufr^u9p utLh^:^{i>LfQlj(re\>,
Like an arrow string a bale of cotton,
4451. uf^^m Om^Lji^ih ^&sr,((if\u6i,Si^i(^Qmtfi?':
QtLTi cotto^ an^ fire b^ placed together T;
J4452. i-/®*'"^ Qjb^uLjy>QufTQe^,
Like cotton and fire.
t t-U.
The pooi: bs^kpd the cake?, the greedy longed for th^m.
4454. tJi^ ^eaeuiriir i§^ ^LJiSljb,(^tf. ^(r i^(i^uu0uw. (;a^€U6\)iu^^&i!^
If rulers err. wha can abide on the earth ?
4455. ut^'i(^ ^^iraifp ^Q^iB.^irio. (^^«jgiv Q^^tei^eii^,
If the giver of the daily al^pwa^ce b.e, alive, no.lo^e to the Anailj^
«
To read Tiruvdyn^oli, and to break d<)wn. the temple of Vishnu.
4457. ui^dsSp- tSisJr^ LJtri(^Lf- (^uiriLu.iri\)' fBiri(m^ ^i^tiiuifi^'^
If a school boy cbew. betel,. his:pro(nimciation. will be spoilt^
4458. ui^^^ QpiLL^ireiTiTdj @^<iS(vy,6irt
. He is a learned fboL
4459. ui^/i^eu^m(^Oi. uif-iuir/£6u^d5(^LDj Q^fri(^i(^ui jfOf^^
The difference between the learned and the unlearned, is as
as that of a crane and a, swaji.
A palm network driven in abattle-fiel<L
TAMIL PROVERBS. 419
4461. uQserr^^eo ^uUfrfiiufr ?
Do they sing elegies in a battle-field f
The comfort of the bed is not experienced 'by the mattress.
4463« uQeu^ uiLQih uiLu.^^i(^ @(]5««(?ai«0r(3ti>.
Whatever hardships he may have to ^endure, he most have th»
rank to which he is entitled;.
When an army is routed, are giey hairs puUed out ?
4465. /-/65)L_«0 gj^eweJr 0<5B/r63)i_<i^ ^(mcueir..
One to fight, and one to give. .
4466. uemL- LS^^^fT<so ^irem ^^Sso.
If an army be large, a fortress is not required.
■T"^^^^""^^.
^461^ iJ(5^L^ QpS^^^ilh ^JlSQfiSW QeU€ist(BiLCi,
An acquaintance, is necessary v^ven in a battle-fie^Id.
. ■ ■ ... I
4468.. ijes)L^ujfr;0 usfDi^^fS- LD(T^u>as(^m .•^-eif^affu uetDpiusifr ^jpj-isi
«3;(g)ti 45 6337 (?i— sir.
G, my daughter-rin-law, who y art ^entertaining me sumptuouftly,
I dreamt .that thou wast being dissected by a pariah. .
Though a bird is hungry^^it will not eat poisonous berries. /
1470.' ulLl^ air6Q(oe\) uQih,QdSLLu (^i^Qiu QsQCb-,
It will hit^he. foot akeady injured, .the decayed family vwiU be
ruined.
1471. ULLL^€5sr^^freifrQufbp^iLi^ LMmth u-jS^^ eu€oei> (^iLt^^
A young one b6m ota city smother is clever at thieving.
■■— — — ^— — I— —
:472.' uiLi^€mfi^ eurr^^u uL^e\)frQiS^ QpQSpQ^fr ?
Can you cova: up a city gate with a hurdle I
420
UffiOtL/TLfi.
4473. uiLt^emjijp euir^Ssou utLi^irQeo ^tf, ^q^iSipSfr?
Is the gate of the city veiled with silk !
4474. UL-L^esiu. eu/nu^^n'S» uesS emrtui^ia.
If the anyil.is ^ood, the work will be good.
4475* uiLL^euki(^ a.6Knr® ueom^
Those who have taken pains will enjoy the gains.
4476. ULLi-eu^i(^ u^gQ a-fiirS,
She who suffered will attain advantage.
A rogue is wise when punished, the farmer when it rains.
4478. utLif~€sr^^ /cifletnujLJ uesnassmLQ isSi <^\u^^^fTin,
It is said that the jackal of the palmyrah grove cheated the city fox i
4479. uiLi^i sirLLQi(^&= SeuuLf^ ^uuiLi^u tS^iru^ujriii.
In a common village, a red garment is regarded as a sumpiuMi
garment.
4480. uiL® ^jSI QslLQ ^fS u^^ eriKSf ® jy^^ ^J'SI.
Be wise by suffering, by poverty, and by paying ten and eight />
4481* uiL® (^Sso/B^ireo QuirtLQ,
When silk thread is untwisted, it becomes useless.
4482. uiLQi €B^flS^^^^Qufre\>u Qu6=Qeueifr®LD,
You must speak carefully as silk is cut by the scissors.
•4483. uiLQi (SmirtL€syu,i(^ euifi ersiQm €r&tr(nj>€0, Q^fnLenuuu^
When he was asked which was the way to Pattucotta, he WJ^
4he price of ^rica-nuts is u hundred and fifty fawiVM.
TAMIL PKOTBBBS. 4ttk
4484. uil®«(5 ^Qgeu/rir uadii(^ ^Qpeuirir ^oJiLm^^id u/ri(Qi(a^
There are who cry for a silk cloth, and there are who cry for oma*
ments ; I never saw any one in the world cry for hetel nut.
4485. ulLQu l/69)L-€9)6i/ ^jT^ii) QmfttSflffi mism €r(Bifi^iQeBir0ifr(Si
lake lending a silk cloth to another, and wandering about carrying!
a seat with her.
The silk and the velyet are kept in a l)ox, while a rag not worth a*
cash walks about the street.
4487. uiLcsiL^i(9jfl. flis utfiUi su9^^
An old rope suited to the well-bucket.
4488. U€8srM€frefl un'u9eo UL^iretr,
A niggardly woman will not lie on a mat.
1489. uepffisiirjrm i9&fr^i^ u^j^u (Suit, ua9^^tuisirjr^ i9€sr^ih
Ten follow after a moneyed man, and ten after a fool.
Money is called a man-slayer.
M91. U€osr^^i(^ ^0 ^li^Lf QAireifTQ uir^eo erdjQp^Qufreo^
Like buying arrows at a fanam eaeh, and wasting them.
i492. uvsst^esifBm QstrQ^^u UGsS^fTjr^ev^fS eatribQu upempi^eif
Is it necessary for you to hide yourself in a bush, and eat the cakea
for which you have paid ! •
493. uenrih ^Q^i^/reo lhtow^it, uemih §je\)€0/ri^tLL,)reo usBB.
If I have money, P^chcha; if not money, PakkirL
4*a uffiQib/r^.
4494. uesarth ^eoe\)ir^eu€ir iSessnh,
He who has no money is a corpse.
4495. ueffSTLp srmQr^e\)'i9essrQfiih 6iifnu ^pii^th.
If the word money be uttered, even a corpse will open its mouth.
4496. uessTLD ffrekesr Qa^iuiLiLb u^^ eS^th Q^iuu^u^,
What can money effect T it can do ten kinds of things.
'4497. UGmw ermesr ufre^fremth^ (^ewrm e^exffQp (ouir^ih.
Why money ? it is poison ; a good disposition is enough.
4498. uessTth (Vjcvii •^@ii, uS ^jS -gfgii.
' * Money, is tank ; hunger, is curry.
4499. U€tfanh u/B^u9(Se\) ^evih @u«ouu9C?6V.
Money at the festive board, and rank on the dunghill.
■4500. uGP^sirjrQmir S^S^uQuff ? ■- •
Is the sound that of baking cakes, or is it mere frizzle ?
The religious mendicant is crying for a mouthfuU of food, the ling»i
he worships, for rice and n^ilk.
■4502.' ^cwr^J^t- uiLl^ ufriL&nt^u utfimiQSlSeo QufnL(Sl60LL®<f ^^
Having put aside her former troubles on an old cadjan, she hnsked
chamfoa rice and boiled it.
•f*-
4503. umrsmu uestfremu ueo eO^i^w -^O^i..
The more iie makes, the more varied the forms.
4&04. uessresadaj uiB/He^ LfaoresfiujiJb QfliSitiw.
A man's merit may be seen in the grain. he growa.
4505. i^^Cy/^ «/^rf?«ptp.©^Oy.^.
A thing done without haste nev^ fails. • ;
1506. u^fS^ Q^tuQp airifltuih S^s/Si QsilQu<!oufr(^th,
A hasty proceeding will go io ruin.
4507. u^^j)iLD QupjpiU Qu^€tiiiy)€kiih iurrtpCSsueifrSlLD,
May you bear sixteen children, and live very prosperously.
The devout attain heaven.
-n^
4509* u^^iu^^i(^ np(miiii&DsiMniu Q3nr€m(Sleiijr^ Q<3Fjr&fr^€\)
When requested to bring inurusga fruit for diet, he brings coronilla
grandiflora leaves for the milk-crinkling ceremony.
■ 4
See note under proverb 4684.
4510. L/^S ^ev€\)^ij ySs^r ujrmeifn^e\>ji^i^ (^j^Uifr ?
Will an ungodly cat ascend to heaven t
■M.
4511. u^^ ^evffonr^ t^^Sl ^Q^^esrtD,
Reason without devotion is folly « . *
— ill
4512. u^Q tiL^essTi^ir^i^ Qfifi^^ ^ekfTL^fr^^
If there be piety, there will be final hap)'iness.
t f
4513. u^^QujfrCSL. uirap^trm ^iLi^QiuirQ'u. ^tifjp.
Pagal fruits in dusters are being "duirred in the ehlvtty.
4514. u^^Q(so 68(ipi^ uiTLDqCb ^freiijTSi,
Even a snake that has fallen among ten, will not dl:e.
r^alMti
4515. U^^Q&i LJ<5fS50 ^(^U^QiSV ^(SlLDLf,
At ten childishness, at twenty arrogance.
4516. u^^safl&ntu^ O^fTiLt^^th ^iflQiufrfi&fresr ulLl^^ld.
By touching the virtuous woman, Dropati, l)uriyodhana was
ruiued.
4517. u^^ ^Jpi/^^t3&fr ufTjr^ fTmQ^sth 0ir/s^jsi,
After I paid a fine of ien^ doubt wa# i^iemoved^
424 ^,{fiG,ip/r^.
Ten grayis of ricQWonl^ bpil> th^life of the wretch wont go.
^•^m-^mm
After ten years of age^ agirl shoiild be affianced if even to a pariaL
4520; u^^u UGSsrm Qs/rfSAflir^LD ^^^Ssar uesifiULf ^afr^.
Though you give ten fapfun9, such haste is bad.
Qf the t^Q, you^ P|U8^ P^^b as the eleventh.
^u9pQp,
W^. w;erQ fiped: ten pagodas, however our doubts were removed.
4523v Mi^^ eS^A^^Lb LJ^ffipiuSssT; jewueoirih utriruutrdesr ^ibui*.
In ten ^ays a Pariah is trustworthy, but a brahman is not.
;4524. u^^ ^nr etn^ji^Cj^uetnL^LDjTQfith Q^frpQposr er^^htt 9^
eneuA^iQsrreuessrQfiiii Q'^rrpQ^tu ?
Poi^essed of ten yoke of oyen I lost the plough share ; how many
yojce.did yofi pos9^a, before you lost your waist doth ?
4525. ui/siii O^ir&fr^ir uesiir-Mir&Jriir^
Thp3e.T!?hpr^ard relationships are unfit for military service.
4526. LJ/R^«(g (Lpm^Qeisessr(BlL^ ues)L,^(^u i9ifl(S0U€iir(Slih,
Be fillet ai a feast, and last at the fight.
When rcg^ct^ ^t; the feast^ thou sayest that the leaf ia t(nEQ«
A mp^ about t^ set, ou|{ on a jpurney, is a f^
TAMIL PBOVEBBS. 425
4529. uu9^^tu(otDtr umL^trjrQuifr Q€kiSsr(ffeo ^u(Sufr^jSfr€ir 0^/r
When I ask him whether he is mad or a mendicant, he says, it is
just following.
4530. uu9^^ujih LLiTfSuQuir&'ar s^€\)is!ns^^Lf. 0&iT€S8T(Sleii!r Qsrreu
essrtii siLl,,
My madness is gone, bring me a postle to tie round my waist.
4531. ujTcsdf) ^(BuLfu uiry^Quirair^.
A fireplace made on the second lunar day will not be deserted.
4532. UFihu&ntr ^eisn^Qujir u^^^^ti(^ ^easrif-Qajfr F
Is he a hereditary mendicant, or a mendicant, because of the famine I
4533. uiS^dB/rfl ^peif Q^q^euir^eo inLLQui,
The friendship of the doctor ends at the thresholds
4534. ufi{u^^i(^ J^^^i (5^lL®« smsfoH^Uji Oairsssrt^^
Quirso,
Like maiTying a blind woman to avoid paying the nuptial present.
4535. uXiekf ^eoeOiTu QuT^esrji^p uiLtf^eS iSGsrj^, iSiHojih g)«>6U/ru
QuGswi!f-p Quia /56sr^.
Hunger is preferrable to eating food given without good feeling, a
demoness is better than an unkind wife.
4536. U0^^^ m€9>L^u9(offO minui(Q ^^susi> er&sresr f
What can a dog have to do in a cotton bazaar T
4537. uQ^^Qia/r(S e^QpSp^sp^^ Qp^Q&r OufnjMb^i^ <^(ip Qpip
Ere the cotton fields are ploughed, Pomman asks for a cloth of sevea
cubits, and Timman wants one pf the same length.
The ootton tree produced cloth.
426 ujfiQu^iTL^.
4539. uQ^^^u OufT^i,^ gj0 Qi6(fF^uLjLj QuiT jSQufi eo ,
Asa single spark to a bale of cotton.
4540. uQ^iji9(o€v OfBiu 6QiLi^^(oufr6\)^
As ghee was poured od beans.
4o4l. UQFLOir^s^/S ^eisrtf^iu U6\)GQiLjth ^frafr^^
If sheltered near a large tree even a lizard will not die.
4542. LJ60 s-lS ^&sr(ft^e\> fft(f^ ^eQjj) ,siL(Sih,
If one consume plenty of husks, a grain may turn up.
4543. u€0 <Tir3S(mi^frjr3s8ru uiaf^^iuih tSt^^^^Qurrev,
As the vendor of curry stuff was seized with madness.
4544. ue\) ^iLQsr&i ^qf, Qfi(Lp^(^.
One ablution for many defilements.
4545. L/«v ^&d QuQFf Q<su<sneiTLb,
Many di^ops make gr«at flood.
4546. unT)'Siijs(S^ uuSiir Q<9'iu,
Cultivate in due time.
45-17. u^inrumtrirQtt. Quifl^.
Benevolence is indeed great.
4548. u<s));i^6U£pj'i(^ LD(7^m^ Q3=ir<^^i t3(S,Ei3<i Q^tQ^^^ p.
If you prescribe medicine for the strong, you must procure tht
medicinal plants yourself.
4.549. UiSV^i^&J^ «n«<i^ ^dsfr^^6U&sr ^(f^CbLf,
The feeble is a straw in the hands of the powerful. I
4550' uG^rs!T^^ ^Q^t^ek ^Q^ iBir?aO'i(^ ^ss^uuQeuir&ir, ^
An old thief will one day be caught.
4551. L-J^ UfTisiith ^jr g^(T5 LjeiiffessflujLD ^©j^lo uemeasr Qeuessr(btu^»
Oiie virtuous deed at least, is i!equired to expiate numerous sins.
TAMIL PEOVERBS. 427
The carpenter who ia acquainted with various sorts of wood, is not
able to fell a tree.
4553. ueo Qpiup[)& Q^FiLiuQ^pjih u^suesr Qmeo S/ism^ «d5)7.
After making eveiy effort, fix your mind on God.
4554. uso eff^iLQu i3<^e(y)<3F ^Qtfiuu Ou(j^(^ih,
The alms of many houses may flow as a river..
4555. zjcuejr ^s\)evfrLj ucu fSfreift^ihy ^pih Q<^iu ^q^ /Efr&rr Qu.-B j^j.
One day spent in alms giving is greater than many spent in doing
nothing.
4556. ueVfT ^^^LLLDy LD/r IL^^ULDy UItQiB ^JBUith^
The jack tree is th^ best, the mango is. good, the pathri tree is in-
different.
4557. u6)) ^L-u uS ^^ih.
As the teeth move hunger is appeased.
4558. usv6VS(^ (^p QuufT^Lb a_6wr3 SLeirsofl (sjp^^ 9susst ^<5\)^^.
He has a palanquin, but is not able to mount it.
He whose palanquin has no top^ und he who has no shoes for his
feet are equal.
4560. USUJJ2/ e9(L^IB^ L/S^L^IU^,
A snake without fangs.
1561. us\)^ eQ(ipi^ Lies>L^uj^^(^ S(f^^ir ?
Is the rage of a fangless snake dangerous I
A torch on either side of a lump of worthless sugar.
1563, uifi^ uifi^jj, ufi^LD L/sifi<i(gii. .: .
By constant use even milk will taste sour.
428 utfiQiLtri^.
Bo not fill ap an old channel ; do not cut a new one.
4565. uifi/i^Qev uifiiii iSetrsinuLjutfiih,
The chief of berries is the chilli. i
4566. utfidQfliiaini9(S€0 fBtrcsr erakrrQesBrtu,
Old cocoanuts yield oil.
4567. ULfith /BrtpeQu uirSeo eQ(ipi^^Quire\),
Like fruit ulipping and falling into milk.
4568. utfiiii LyoOT^evf} urr^eiDeu^Qujar^
He who has an old sore is half a doctor.
4569. ulP^(^ ^^®^ ^eo/r ul^ u®(Seuinr &€\)fr.
One hasty commits the crime, and another suffers the penalty.
4570. UL^uuiresr s€\)eQ urreu^^Gtr ^mipji/.
Despicable learning is a fountain of sin.
4571. uifiuu€sr u^Qjrev^
Utter no reproach.
4572. u(i^^ 0<F(u/5«D^ jifj6Hs9)^ ^L^ec ujt^ fBeStJr^fi.
The confession of a fault removes half its guilt.
4573. uag^fS ^Ssi)65)iLf/j Ufrir^^i (QQ5^^ ^Sso QiB'iSp^fruy,
It is said that the young palm leaf is laughing at the dry leaf b^
cause it is falling off.
4574. u(Lp^^ uifith Qs/rLDi9io ^jtit^.
Ripe fruit does not remain on the branch.
4575. u&siifiiu sjpiuu&s^ aji/uuQssT uGoifiiu mrnQmestJH iL€irSf^
My name old Karuppan is still my name, and my earthen basin fl
still my eating dish.
TAMIL PROYEBBS. 429
4576. U€$)ifiUJ (S<3^ m^^eu ^peut^,
0 thou bliud old woman^ open the door.
H II I I I III I t I .—
4577. uentfiUJjfi dSij^ ®^^ atreufSiiutrtLS,
The place where one gets plenty of cold rice is the right one.
He who irrigated the low ground takes his share of the product.
II I "■
4579. uenenih ^areir ^u^^^^e^ fbmesSh /dp(^La,
Water will stand in a hollow.
4580. u&refSa ^GS9ti(yju LjeiTei\^(^ SL^Q/zr^.
Accounts learnt at school will not be prat^ically useful.
4581. ueir^i (^Lju/i^i(g ^liiUiLL^ e^ir^^ujtrir,
A bigrber school master for a village inhabited by Pallis.
4582. UGtr&fl uiTsc^fi ^&sr(ffso u^^ eQjr^iD «-«ifr^iiL/,
If a Palli chews, betels his ten fingers will be smeared with chunam.
4583. u&reflu iSerrSsfr €T^(nf€» Q^e\)euLo ^etDpiLfLD/r ?
If you admit that you are a school bo}% will your wealth decrease ?
My father not only neglected to put me to school, but left me to
bear the expenses of the fire brand.
Under this proverb a general note on funeral rites may not be out
of place. The particulars given rehtte to Hindu families generally,
not to brakmans.
When a person dies, the grief of the females in the family bants
out mto loud lamentatious. On its being made known by a conch-
Llower that a death has oceurred, the neighbouring females go to the
house, add the expression of their sympathy, aiud all unite in one ge-
neral wail. Frequently one of the company, the mother, or it may be a
professional persou, breaks out into an ascription -of praise regarding
thadeceasedntteiing a sort of elegy in measved oadenoe. In this case
when a climax is reached, all join in a chorus pC giief, and some may
smite their breasts and tear tlieic!hair. In suoh elegiesi lAkh are oficui
430 UtfiQlLfTL^. ■
of a touching kind, the persrmal beauty, the talents, the learning in
the pi'OAvess of the deceased ave c^eitipn.
The body being taken a^i^ is bathed and dressed as in life. In tix
case of females the gold and pearls and precious ston&s, if she possessi
then), will be put on. The sectariaJ marks will be added. T
charpoy on which the corpse has been laid out is then carried in
the house. Again the females seat themselves around it and poi
forth a torrent of grief, or at any rate make a loud noise,
kinsman whose business it is to attend to the oustouiary observi
spreads a cloth on the charpoy to hold rice, called,-rice for
mouth. The females of the family take a little of the grain and
it on the corpse near the mouth. The same ceremony is perforin
by the male members of the family at the place of cremation
fijunily. barber appropriates the remaining. rice. At the btirning gro
the kinsman who conducts the ijeremonies carries a pot of water rot
tlie pyre and the conch-hlower follows him and makes an incision
the pot with hii^ conch, when the -barber pule four bita of wndal
other wood into the hands of the kinsman and points out the places
the pyre where they are to be inserted. The leaking pot is
tjtljzen by the barber to be broken 'neai^ theltead of the cor|)8e. Tl
kinsman hastens away that he may not hear the noise of tltf
when broken, nor see the burning pyre. Then the barber r
piDrraission tQ break the put and to ignite the pyre.
On the next or on an early day the male friends of the d
assemble at the place^of cremation. The skuH, the breast-booe
tbebonesof tie hands having beeq nhstrauted fiom the ashes
deposited in a convenient place covered with a pl^n^ain leaf, »»•
the nearest of kin smeared with oll^ ghee-and honey and covered
fipw^ers, whilst a priest recites appropriate i incantations in- the p
of the relatives. A pot of milk having-been provided for this
zpoAy, the. relatives take a sprig of cdvonitta ffnandi/l&i'a and ham
dipped, it in. the milkj, spriuklQ the relics, which. are then pot i
a.n.,unburnk earthen vessel, covered with oloth .to be. east ioto
sacred 8ti:eani^ or bestowed pn the ocean wave.- Of course thtti
elaborate, rities. a re dispensed with tby the .poor-
ly have seen Hind ua, not by any- means in abject oirtumstu*^^
ceoveyiACorpse^ to the seaside, where <a grave had been hastily dv
take off the elothi and oenaipeatsi wrap thCf body' inr« comnuoo ^
HiOi bury it itHh the burial of a dog«-
J
TA.MIL PROVERBS. 431
In tlie- year 1830 when travellfng; in Bengal I saw, on the bank of
the DamoodM^ a sorrowirvg bimhmanical fiither with two 0r three
attendants dispose of a corpse with but little ceremony. The father
himself Wiho wae mnch affected ignited the pyre.
A palli does not like to be secluded^ nor does a brahman fast after
bathing.
■» I
4586. up'iQp upea)6UdS(^ er-^ ^^jrth ?:
What ia distance tp.a bird on-tiie wing t
4587.. M/D<i(g"> ^(T^un ®(15<3B@"> O&iru^Lj ^/SliUfr/S.^Qu(re\).
As a cFpw on;the wing knows not on. wh^t. branch it will alight;
45r88. upd(^LD r^(f^sQd5(^ ^(5^(S^ Q-^rnhLj, Q^jfluJTjp, Uff-Q^Sai
A bird on the wing knows not the branch on which it may alight;
^ stranger knows npt;.hiH hfJting place*
Like one placing a stone om a flying leaf that has been used. for a.
rjice- plate.
4690: upuurrek uSir^tfiik'fiff^.rj^pi^fr^Sl QusiirQ. ^tp-i^freljri
A, hasty, man loges ,th^ prodnce of his.field, and the jealgus majgi hi§ .
wife»
4591. u^Bp^ sm'lL®^(^lj uiuLb ^^Sso,
'S (X further {^T in a jungle, where one. has been a^rmdi/ robbed;
4592. ueffip^pQ iSieaSsfTGMUu ueff€i)^(^ enm^pir^LD (?u^.R(?«5V jyuj
Though a pariab child be sent to school; he .will still call hU father
ayyfe.
(i593, uonp pCtf-f^pQutfeo^
Like striking grain to the- level of the measure.
432 UjfiQui/r^.
4594. UGSipji Ofl(7^e8Qeo eBeoeuih Q^dstrfiffi^Quire^^
As a vUva tree pprasg up in a pariah street.
t.
4595. u<smpuuiriL(Ssc^ih u€i^pu(Su^»i(^ih »6iDfruy^e9p(^Lo LLmi
A pariah's song, his dialect, and a surai flower, have no fragrance i
them.
4596. U€a>puj^ih ufriruufT^w Qu/r€»,
Like a pariah and a hrahman.
4597. uemptum Quirmi^eo ^tLL^rrei> UAeuir^iui(^ ^QffQ^ir ?
If a pariah boil rice as an offering to God, will it not be accepted
4598. uenpantu ueirefflife^ eneu^jgfr^u^ ^enpuQu^^u QuifUitrf
Though a pariah is schooled, will his vulgar brogue be altered !
4599. uempQeu^so ^GnjrQsu2so,
The work of a pariah is only half done.
Will the jackal of the palmyrah grove tremble at the ruatlingi
leaves T
4601. UiSsflAsGhr ^pm^treo u^etnifiMekr ^pi(^Lb,
If there be dew, there will be no rain.
4602. ueS Quuj^ «i-.€0 iSenpiLjunfr ?
Will the sea be filled by the falling dew ?
4603. ueufi Quuj^ (wcTTii /8jru>uu>ir P
Will the falling dew fill the tank f
When there is dew there is no rain, when fruit it ripe there in
blossom.
4605 • ueSu Ouq^iQQeo suueo gtiLt^e^ffUyrr f
Can you sail a ship in heavy dew.^
TAMIL PROVSIIBS. 433
1606. ueSesiiu muiiS ^fruy^iLt^esr^Qutreo,
like beginnirg to plough depending on the dew.
<607. ^3ar ^/SiLjih u/rdsfrQfifTL-frj^ gjpiaS^pQun-^,
Like descending from a palmyrah tree without touching the flower**
spathe.
1608. u^ ^/S 69(LpmfieuSaai ai—ir (qt/SI iS^^fB^Qutreo.
like a buffalo trampling on a person who has fallen from a pal-
myrah tree,
4609. u^ssr iLjr^^^ SCoifi utr^eoss (^tf^^^rr^^ih serr creirjy iS&sru
I z-//r/r.
Though what you drink in a palmyrah grove be milk^ eveiy ono
will believe it to be toddy.
A palmyrah tree casts no shade> a pariah has no rules.
1611. uSssTLDjrth e^j^ySpeudssr er^euesijru^ih ^/nkse\)inh ?
How far can you support a man who is climbing a palmyrah
tree I *
612. u&8ru9^ /fizp^ti i9ifi(Seorr uetr>seinr i^pe^ih p^pQeinr ?
Is the shadow of a palmyrah tree a shade, is the acquaintance of
an enemy friendship ?
613. udssru9eo ^Q^i^ €Q(Lp/Bfl(SijSssTLj uirCbLj sip.^^ ^Qujr^ ^
Like a snake biting one who has fallen from a palmyrah tree.
Like an ass going rou^d a place where a palmyrah tree had been
felled.
>15. uGsrfSH(QtLt^i(^ 5>(T5<^/5^ (qt^ f
Does a young pig observe fasts t
)16. UGtrfSif^iLi^ ^^ssr ^u^fr ?
Will the young pig become an elephant !
28
4H u^ffiO mir ifi^.
If a hog be shot, he takes the whole, if an elephaixt be Aqt I shall]
have a share.
4618.. u^jpS ue\) (^tLif-y Sik<3BLD.e^(T^ (^lIz^.
The sow has many young ones at a time, thQ lionet only one.
4619'. um^ ueiv (^dt^ QutrC.® er^esr ? .
What, if a sow hajj a numerous litter !
A calf that gpeps with.a p^g will eat ezcrameiitt.^
4621. uekesTdBdB/rjr^ Oueisri^e» uetssHoji Sl^/s^ Qf^ji^rrerrrrLD^
It ia said that the wife of a mat-maker died on the bare ffrouni
4622. uesresdu uehesftu utpiEises)^ utjutuirQ^^
Do not t(?ll old stories with affectation.
'WJiU a bottle goiird ?pri|3i;g from a p%.al,see4 ?
4624, uireFLb ^^peueifr ujr(S^S,
H« who has no ties is like a foreigner,..
4625. urri^sssfreSI eufripi^rreo u^jp erC-Q^ ^ssfLbi9efTiips(9^w.
if the foot-ringed lady prosper, eight or ten people may ie s«
pprted there,by. '
4626. UfTL^lh (cJfS^LO ej(Bl &DS66(oL^eV,
Though you have learnt your lesson, da not throw away your boot
4627. urrtp-u urri^dB ^^i^^^th u^ifleo jy/flft ^coSeo,
Though pounded with a song, chaff wiU not yield rice.
4628. ufT® ereir^sv uiressr^m uirL^rrGir,
When pressed to sin^, even the professional singer refuses^
TJLHIL PHOVVBBS. 436
4629. LJnrQ ut-trinp Quif^eo u€09sr ^soeoirmp (Su/r(^th\
Where there is no labour, there is no profit;
4630. urrQih Lfeosunr GumaQp uL-Qt^irSeo ^QesrQesr,
I am become an ola in the hand of a poet.
1631. UtTGSiU. ^flS^Lb ^Q 6»><95e&(?«— 6\),
Though you may ascend the bier, forsake not your alms-dish.
4G32, u/reasrth Q^irQ^^rrp (Sunrevu Qu3^Si(ffm',
He speaks as if arrows were darting forth.
4633. ufT^snr ULpi^Lb umhQurr® uipmeo Qurr-e^.
Friendship with the wicked, is like^ playing with snakes.
Can you take half a churaik£y for curry, and use the other half as
eeed T
Give alms to the worthy, and your daughter to one of a good *
family.
:6Sfi. uiruLfi(^ Cffiu^ ^^Ssi)'.
Brahmans have no chiefs^.
Begin to clean your teeth at P^mani riveip, wash, your face in Mul-,
lai river.
638. ufrihumLt^ U!rLDi9(o€0^ ^errerr&ir a6rreQ(oe\^^..
A snake charmer understands snakes, a thief understands thieving.,
■Jill.
A young snake is more poisonous and vigorous than an old one.
540. u/rLLi9Gsr ^iLcf. utrihuj ^^m (^tLif- fstLQe^irds^frsQ,
T^ie young one:Of a sns^ke is a snake^ and its^young one is a scorpion*
4S6 utfiQiLfTi^,
4641. uirLbi9&sr eufnu^ (S^e(fyfr(SUfre\),
Like a toad in the jawB of a snake.
4642. utrLbLfi(^ QP^H ^^^«
Snakes have no chiefs.
4643. UfTLDLi si^idB^ (o^(er^^(^u. u/ririSpCo^ir ?
When bitten by a snake, will the incantations suited to scorpio
bites avail aught T
4644. u/rLbL/«(85 ^jrrr^FfT QpsiQe)) fitf.,
A bambu stick is king jbo a snake.
4645. LJ/ra)L/<i(g<F ^^^Q^ U^^lDfT ?
Are the enfemi-es of snakes few I
4646. ufnhLfi(^flS ^^esioji sirtLtf^ iS£[it^(^ eurrSeoi sriLt^,
Showing the head to sn^es, and the tail to fish.
Spoken of a two-faced person, in allusion to an eel tbat sbowsJ
oerptsnt-like head %o tnakes^ and its fiah^like tail to fish.
Though you feed a snake with milk, it will yield poison.
4648. uiruiLji(^u uir6\) €Jfrir^^^(ou/reo,
Ijike pouring out milk to a snake.
4649. ufTLbLjiii SiDiLjCaQuireo,
Lik a snake and a mungoose.
4650. uirLnLfLD SSiLju^Quire^u u€0 streoCa eutryimQ^m^
I lived a long time with him or her as a snake with a mungoose.
The snake has regard to its hunger, the bog tlunks of its fiite.
TAMIL PBOVSBBS. 437
4652. UfTihLf u^iSio Qj£&nrresi\uu i3zp.«(gii>. ^^Qu!r€0, SfSQajirir
Whea a snake is hungry it will catch a frog, so the yile perform
only mean acts.
1653. ufTLdLj ^&a-8p nBLiB(S€V'(Suir^$\) i&Q Qf^jS /6ldS(^ ereir^ ^q^
If we go to a country of snake eaters, we must be prepared for the
middle bit.
4654. uirCoLj UGn^tLjiJb Q^ireo s^pekjinir?
Is the snake hostile, and its skin friendly !
The hawk is inimical to the snake. .
1656. u/TLDLfih QfBrr€uiriiip uitidlj ^u).^^ (pS/t^ld QiBireuiTLbeo ^(5*
So strike that neither the snake, nor the staff with which yo\; strike,
shall be hurt oi" injured.
657. Umjbi-I €T&srQff6» UeSiL-ltllh /B®/E/^li). *
Even an army will tremble at the word snake.
658. utTLLOuirQ utfiQsso,
* •
Have nothing to do with snakes.
159. umiiSp L£ifrLLQd5(^ QpmQesr Q^u^ih Q^irm^pQuireo,
Like reciting a portion of the vedas, to a cow about to gore you.
660« uirtuLbiru) (S&'ir/B^ airesijbQufreo ^Qesrm^
I have become like a crow on the top of a mast.
661. ufrujLnjrw ^eoe\)ir injr^ese^ihQuireo ,
• • , . . ■ '
Like a vessel without a mast.
662. UJTjri-i^^ e^etrerr uponeu ujBjrfret) i9i^i6SuutLu,^,
A wise bird has been caught w;ith chaff.
^ I
<38 utfiQmwifi.
4663. uirjnr^ fi_6»)L-«o£/> ^f^^.
Property not looked after perishes.
>^The Tock tkat resists a crowbar, gives way to the roots of a tendef
plant.
4665. urrir ^eTrcu/rOificir^ utre^) (5^<55®(7jpuj.
Thou drinkest milk, hoping to govern the world.
4666. UfTiria^ Qsir(B^fl UGssr^.^i(^ Qeuetr&D^iSLpGfiLLiuir ?
Is Friday a sufficient excuse for not returning the coin given you to
Jook at }
It is believed by many 'that, thoagh it is fortunate to receive monej
on Friday, it is unfortunate to pay it.
4667. uiririSp aGssr^^i(^i QmiLQ^p Q<3FeQ Quir&)e\)rr^.
A listening ear, is v«rorse than a seeing eye.
4668. uirir^fi aeifr^jau^ y^^^^u us^ld ^jreij ^u9pj>f.
The «yes have foiled by looking too long, and night has fuUoW
the day.
4669. ufrnr^^ QpsLb ereoe^Dfrua Qeupj^/Qfitasth,
All the faces we see are diverse from one another.
4670- umr^^irp u3ru(Suire\), u/riu/B/Sfred i^SuQuireo.
In appearance like a cow, in action like a tiger. J
■ *
4671. uirir^^^r^amfi ^^^ (sBLfi^^^^imi ens SQ^e^euir&sf.
Gazed at-&2/ sta/rving beggars-he eats and washes his hands. i
4672. Ufnr^^(f^/BjseuGfr u^esy^ (S^^®^> QaiLif^(^mfi€U&r &PP
She who had seen the process pounded it undried, she who
heard of it pounded roasted.
TAMIL PBOVSBBS. 4iZ$
4673. uiriruu^p^ ^Siu ujru i9rriLth,
It is impossible to comprehend the supreme Bifahtna.
4674. ufriuuir^^ ^ihu^/r iDir® eutk^^.
BrahmaD matron, the cow has come.
1675. uirkuuiT^^ ^^uLfisGssTt^Lti Quiri^tf^jifi^Quifed,
As a brahman woman lost her salted mutton.
1676. uiriTLJuirir Q^eu^Qpu^ Qeu&rSsfr^ (^^emirdP Q^eua'Qpui ^^^^,
The service of a brahman, and the cat-e of a white horse are bad.
ioeoirQfB, ...
Do not waste your breath on a brahman/nor converse with a men-
dicant.
1678. uiriruufrek s^ULjib u&nptu&sr QeuuLjih ^^fr^,
A black brahman, and a fair pariah are not trustworthy.
^»m-^
1679. urriruufT&sr dorentfiQojir uer ^€S)tfi(oUJ/r?
Which is the more helpless, a brahman or a cow ?
1680. u/rev(T^i(^iJ ueoih ^Q^Gnm, uiL-^ji^i(y^u l/6V«d c-^«ii.
The strength of a child is crying, and that of fish is water.
Those who have not heard the lisping of their own children say, that
the flute is sweet, the stringed instrument is sweet.
682. uireoiresr Qm^st creoevifm uss^a MsS^&n",
He has made enemies of all whose hearts are pure as milk.
p8J. u/Tj^igjii £Sfr6U€\) Li2ssr^(^iJ[y Q^trifi^,
He is the guard of the milk, and also the friend of the cat.
684. urr^ii^ €uifl Q,^ Qintremfrs ^t^fi^^unr ?
Will the cat that has come for new milk, drink buttermilk T
440 uffiQ mir tfi.
4685. uir^i^^ 9&sff ^6vSa) ereifrQ(7yfri(^ih eh,(igi^i ajS
• I
The oare of those who want augar with milk^ and of those who
want ci^ry for their flgo^ are the same.
4686. uir^ituifriii mq^i^inirCb,
It is of U3e both as milk and medicine.
4687. uir^ih u^i(^y Qin/rQ^Lb u^'sQmir ?
Is the rate <^ fresh milk that of buttermilk !
4688. urr^LEi QeueifSsir Qtmrq^LDt Qeueirrdsir,
Milk is whit& and buttermilk is also white.
4689- urrSeo ^atiLQeuirifsGfr utriSiu^ss)^ ^miLCSeuirir^errfr ?
They may feed him with milk; can they feed him with good fortune
4690. uirSsoi(^t^^fi6u.^piS(^u uireo (qtuuu^ mq^Lf^, ^etrSetri {^^f^
He who has. dtank milk will beldx milk, and he who has drasi
toddy wiU belch toddy.
4691. ufrSsou UJrn'aSfD^fr'ufrdssrepiuu urririSp^rr ?
Do you examine^ the milk or the vessel containing it !
4692. ujrQeoir® aeoik^ iS(f^ih ufrs\)fr(^LD.
Water mixed with m\lk looks like xpilk«
• • r '
469S. utrQeorrL^n-'uS^Ld ^frevih ^jSi^ ^^eiisr.
Though wth milk, take your meals at the proper time.
4694, UfTC)) ^X^iU^i(my USr jriTLAIB!r^3reiSiriS^(^,
Milk to an Aryan, and a cow for Bamanddasw^mi.
4695. U/rci). glQ^iSp^' ufrdStuih ^(f^^Sp^, uirSQeo QuffiJ
Ther^ is v^^ ^^d. money ^ but W. means, for pio^uriog ten fpi^
nee.
TAMIL PBOVSRBS. 441
4696. i^f^^ Q^rrtL®u uir$\x ^pisCaeumrQth*
One must draw milk after xnoiBteniD^ th& fing^^'with milk.
1697. uir&) fsimir^ LLSesriLfia uff/srrevnh eufria^T^ iSjrirwsssr^ia
Is there a cat that will not lap milk^ or a brahman that will refuse
a bribe !
4698. u^9d usi^eif>euai searfSKSeo. Q^Su^txi, uirsQiumir^ i9sit^€^{u
The milch cow is known by its calf, and the child of the wealthy
by its face.
4699. L/zrei) euirir^i^ Qpap(^eiJfr^.
He will bathe after applying milk to the head.
latimating that a person ininiical has been got rid of.
i]00, UfreuiLu.ih Liu(Su/r(S\) meiD/r^^Lb lj^^ ^^Sso.
Though as grey as a p^vattam flower, he has no sense.
1701, uireu^^p(^ ^^—^ QmiTL^iT^eu^ urreu^ein^^. Q^iuiiQ^frsfr
He who does not give place to sin, will conquer it.
1702. ufreuLD Qs'iuiUfr^Q^^ ipesrQui I .
0 my heart, do not sin !
4703. Ufr6us\)iT ^(7^€S)Lb iBireu6\)ir ^fSemrir,
The ability of a poet is best known to the learned.
i704. ufreGojirir Qutresr ^L-th ere\)€\)frih usfretr (y:\iM ^iLt^tLfCn,
Whithersoever the simple go, they meet with ups and downs.
^705. ufreQemtuu i9uf.^^u urriJDLf ^u.(SiSlp^.
Seising a simpleton and making hupi dance like a snake.
^706. urreSeo ^^^Sp^ Ufr/r^^ijo ^(f^^Sip^\ .
That which is desicribed in poetry is also seen in nature.
442 uipQ iLir i^,
4707. ufTLpmuLj QurrSp^ u&heSm eiJiru9(Se\}, '
That Avhich is spoiled is put in the mouth of a cow.
4708. LJfTlfi ^M(T^S(^ /5/fl jrir^fT,
The jackal is king in a deserted village.
^^mm^mimm
4709, urr2ssTu9&) £-62wrz«/r(g)CU ^su€9)Uu9eo eurmii^.
If in the pot, it will come into the spoon,
4710. ufrd5sru9(S(S0 u^i(^ Q/bs\) ^Q^fs^irev Qp2sou9(S€\) (Lpi(^jpisi
If there be a pathaku of rice in the pot, three kurunies of gods vr^
dance in the comer. -
l9-
4711. i9Sesfl fimSssr eu^<oSuu^ ^essr.
It is useless to extol a miser.
4712. i3«^*F63r eufrs^tfi^ (S^iriLi-^^^Qeo Ljr^is^j^Qutreo^
Asa madman entered the plantain grove.
4713. i3i9^ssydFim/rjr^^(^u uojuuiLQ ^(BuLf QpLLL^frmio eflSi
Through fear of beggars do you refrain from lighting your fire!
4714. i96=es)^i^n'ff?i5isr ^ts^p^n^in Q^!TeSies>\uuQufnL(B^ fe-«oA-^^^
It is said that he beat the mendicant and broke his alms-dish.
4715. i9^€fi^<fd5i35frjr€ir Q^irp/iSlQeo &'&^^mjr&sf L/(^i^^(Su/r€V,
As Saturn entered into the rice of the mendicant.
4716. i3i3=es>^^ Q&'n'p/S^LD (sr^&p Q&^iTQjf?
What ! scrupulous about leavings in rice got by begging T
4717. tQ^^tns'dia/rjr&srQtJbCScv iSjruDrr&v^jrLD 0^rr(d^Qpfiir f
Is an enchanted arrow discharged at a mendicant T
TAMIL PK0VEBBS. 443
4718. i9i!FGs>^ii^ eui^eueisr Quessr&pi<i(^ LbiTuiBea^iutr ?
Do you propose giving your daughter in mamage to one who came
to ask alms ?
4719. iS<F65)dF«i(g gyO^^^ <55<F<F0yi_£i).
Merchandize is a little better than begging.
Is rice offered in charity refused because it is overboiled ?
4721* i9^e^^&= Q<9'irp;6lpD(^Lj ut^^ui ^essr l-.it ?
Is rice given in charity ever scarce I
4722. i9^esi6= QuitiLl..^ Qurr^iii iBirsfniui ^iLQ^
The alms given are sufficient ; tie up the dog.
4723. iSli9=esi^ LjS^ih Sfbetns /B&sr(op,
Learning is good even when one is reduced to begging.
Has any one been ruined by giving alms ?
4725. iS<5F6B)<F ^il®« 0«z_Li-.6i/,ga/£i ^evSso, i9efr8sfr Qup^i Q^xlLl^
None is ruined by giving alms ; none is ruined because he has a
family.
4726. i3&'€s><s= (srQ^^ih ^'^^Q^eQeisT (^t^ QdsQ,
Though you have to beg, destroy the family of your enemy.
4727. i9i^n'jnii QuiflQ^^^ Lj/b/SKSeo &n<3S ensuime\)iTu^!r ?
Relying on the efficacy of the prescribed remedy, will you put your
hand in a snake hole ?
4728. t9i^n'jr^ss(^ jif^Su uitldlj ereQi(^ c_/do/ ^S'Sr^rrLJo,
I It is said that a snake afraid of the charmer, sought the friend-
ship of a rat.
4729. i3u.fr fiiurrQjr sL^fr euis/^^,
0, demon, the bull has come.
444 u ifiQ mir tfi.
4730. t9i^fnfl ekijrih QsirQ^^rr^uy p^^&sr eujrth QsirQiSp^
Though a pidari may grant a favour, it will be difficult to obtain
it through the priest.
4731. i3i^ ^5pS Lj(^iB^fTe\) Queisr ^ipS ^euir&r.
If a woman ornamented with jewels enter, she will be regarded u
a beautiful woman.
Are incantations to be used again and again,
4733. iQt^^^ Q^iriiiLjLb eBiLQi^m iB^^^ OdsfrLOLiih eBtLCaL^ar,
I have left the branch I had seized, and also the one on which]
I was standing.
I have become as helpless as if the branch I seized, and the
I stood upon, both broke at the same time,
4735. i9t^^fiirp mpm^py ^tLi^irp ,»uCirii,
If tied, a bnndle ; if loose, bits of straw.
4736.. i9jn^n'u^(Sujtr €\)ai^rruQ(Siufr p
Is he the prince of beggars, or the first as possessing lact ?
4737. i9easr^€in^ Qfi'9' LDGfsr^&D/SiF Q^^iu,
Bury the corpse, and then celebrate the marriage.
4738. iSemth QurrSp ^l^^Q^ ^<35dSQpLO QuirSp^,
Sorrow goes away to the place whither the corpse has gone.
4739. i3?amLJUiL®i Qs!rGtr€rrir(S/5 Qu(igthusu^&D/S aL/i^/fluuffiu,
Do not stand security, it will lead to endless evils.
4740. i9essfi^3^s(^6s SenL^iufT^^ Q^essrL-^^^(^ ^suuQth,
That which cannot be obtained for sustenance, will be found to ptj
a fine.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 441
4741. t9ji^Lb uji^ eO^iii,
Madness is of ten kinds i. e., many kinds.
4742. i9^^2sfr /B/rppLD ^/Siufr^,
Brass is innocent of its own odour.
4743, i9^fibir^(^^ &eo Lf^^msfT Q^ireSfr^ev (Su^s^cn^i Q^iLuitjit f
If advice be given to fools will they listen to it T
4744, i9^fs^i(^^ fi&sr (messTih j^eQ^pjih Q^euetneu,
The madman thinks his own character straighter than a line.
As the brahm^h^i upset the boat.
1746. i9jrLtifr fSdssr^/Btrev ^tLf3rss(^ds (^empiurr ?
If Brahma wills it, is there any chance of your life being short /
1747. i9es>ifiisLj(Sufr€sr ^t^^^(Se\) iSasiipQiiiir^ui eui^^(oUir€v,
As a grave occurrence befell one in the place to which he had gone
for a livelihood.
The parent weeps on account of his child, the servant weeps for his
hire.
That which is sport to the child, is death to the mouse.
Though it were written in the horoscope that she would have
sixteen children, how could that be without a husband !
A parent and a cowherd know no shame.
446 uifiQuiir^,
4752. tSeirSsrr Qu/bpsu'Ssfru urrnr^^u Ou(f^Qfiy0r eQiLQ ^^^
ermefsr ?
What if you look at her who has borne a child, and sigh I
4753. iSetrdsjT ^(T^€S)LD LD6Vi^ ^/jSeufTcn fT ?
Does a barren woman understand the endearments of a child T
4754. i^ffn'S6inuir(^ii(^u Qu&ssr OmfTetreii^Qutreo^
Like obtaining a wife for GaD^sha.
4755. i9efrSsfrujfrenjru i9i^^^ ^isS ^jr&'LDjr^esi^iLiu^ tSz^^^j"
As Saturn who had seized Gan^sha seized also the tree-;^u^ Indm
4756. i9m^{utrn Q^ireQ^io ^q^l-gst ^(t^uuit^j QiS^frm^gfi
The thief has taken refuge in the temple of Pillaiyar, it would how-
ever be a slander to mention it.
4757. i^eirdsfnuirHr iSif^i^i (^jnki^irdj Qfii^/s^^,
The attempt to form an image of Gan&ha, ended in the formatk
of a monkey.
475Si i9&T^ ^j^ed/r effiLi^e^ Sltpisu&sr ^erreifl 6B2siTtu/r(SlSQrj>^ui»
It; is said that in the house^ in which there are no children, an
man plays like a child.
« i
4759. iSeSfrSsfTiLiLD Lj(L^a(ois)aiLfiiy^ifl y ^9ef^^^(^Lb Lj(L^i^^4i(^LL^^
QaiTL^frQ^,
A child and a slave are alike, be not indulgent to a child or a slai
4760. ♦ i9.&r^iLiiii S&fT&FI^ 0^/FLLzjLjj2/£i ^iLQQp^ir ?
Do you rock the xjradle, while pii^ching the child ? .
4761. iSefrtgwe^uj<3= <F/r«Szl®iJ ll^ld 6Q(i£iiEi(^Sp^^
Pretending to feed the child, the goblin swallows it.
like losing her husband, when she went to ask the gift pf offiprinj
TAMIL BJiOVEBBS. 4.4Z
Ai mother knows the pain of travail, is it known to others ■!
If the family of the bridegroom consent, half the ceremony of
marriage, is over.
4765. t9p^Sp0ufr(ip(S^ Qpi^u^ <^g)^ (SLJtui(^ ^tLQu umii-^fiir
ei) ^^Lnrr ?
If, a person be a cripple from his hkthy can he be cured ,J)y offerings,
made to demons ?
1766. i3p/B^ iSerrSsYT i9i^ Q a= it p pS p (^ ^(H^^P^y i9pixuQuirSip
It is said that they are. making silver bejls for iJiQ child about to be
bom, while the child on the lap is ciying fpr a handful of rice.
1767. i9pi^6ueir ^puu(S)s iS^ih,^
It is certain that he who is born will:0ie..
-^68..^ i9pi^esr ^p^(^Ll^, QjSff&r^/Slesr u^emptLjth,
Those who are bom will die, what is visible will vanish;,
i769. i9piBp ^mQp ^pisQeuessrQth,
The day of birth lec^ to death. .
A sumptuous cloth is not-required in one^s native villagjB, nor a
tali where one js known as a wife.
He who cpvets the property of others, will lose hi^ oyrn.
448
U IfiQ WfT L^.
4772. i^pffLnSssr^ ^q^LLLjQlmiTeneirtr^ i9jnrui€S8rsir /tmQiQsntm
He who would not dairy off a rush belonging to another's roof, rob-
bed a brahman Ma master of his staff.
4773. i9p^&' Q<F€Qt^^d(^u (Su^^^ ^popdni^ir ?
Are there any clever of speech who were born deaf?
As one bom blind received sight.
4775. i3p&fr ilSsst Lisnes^m ^pu^ eresr^ <S(^Ui,
Not going to another man's house, deserves to be called virtue.
4776. i9€k^CSe» euQ^ih uevrr^^/ruSsui^ Qp^^Qeo euQ^ih semrdsifm
A ksMikkkj is better in hand, than a jack fruit in prospect.
4777. i9mSs9r €reku^ih Qu^ir^Q^uujpiD^ ^cvSsO ^rmufip^
By and by, and silence, are tantamount to a refusal.
4778. i^Jnii Qugs^ unrjrih fisirmr^
Preserve your strength and bear the burden.
4779. iSfSesr Li€S)U-€S)6u QuQ^iBiretr ^jrnr^^
A ragged cloth will not wear long.
4780. i3ppp uil^Gfiu.i(^ jy^^^O«/r£jt.
A broken cord, and a ragged basket (well-bucket.)
4781. Ljs^^&iU!r^i(^ ff^i^fS^ Li^idSeifr^tf..
That which was given to the praise- worthy, is a microscope.
tAHiL PROVBitJ^S* 449
4782. Lf^LpfBfiiTGntru QutrpjS euirifi.
Defend those who acknowledge yotir merit.
4783. Lj&nsiS^uih dsrrjrSe\) Quireoe^in'ia^ ^[fifr^.
Though eaglewood produces saioke> it will do no harm.
4784. i-jii&uLjaQLp ^dads^^aQip,
The contempt of riches is the highest praise.
As a demon came out of a well that had been dug as an act of reli*
gious merit.
4786. Ljeitreisi^iu^^^i^ ^-Q^^ LbfriLenL^u uevSeou i9if.^j^u uirHf^fi
Like looking at the teeth of a bullock that is ploughing for nothing,
4787. LjesaresSiUUi ufrirm^u (SurrtJUu utreuiiy i9mQe9r eum^^frih^
It is said that evil followed the man who attempted a kind actj
4788. LyewrgaafloJii ^s\)e\)frfl euL^sfriLt^ eS^em.
A leader not virtuous is worthless.
4789. LjGssTGsSQeo Qsirea ^iLL^^Quireo.
Like thrusting a stick into a wound.
As if a sore had become acidified.
4791. LfGkr^ji/iQdSfr LLQ^/B^iQsfr eff^i^ih ?
Whether calls for immediate action, the sore or its remedy T
New things require fresh consideration.
p793. Lj^iu euGssTf^^iii uesiifiiu ^Lbut-L-^Ld Q^L^QeucmQih^
Employ a new washerman, but an old barber.
A new wiasherman will wash with grfeat C4r16,
2d
450
U^ifyOTuatTL^.
Is it right, to foroake old friends in reliance on new one8^!
4796. /-/^« (^L_^^(7«v, earyr/f^/S^^Mrcwf/Ti
Water poured into a new pot;
4797, i-Z^^LJ uirSssra^^ FF Qs^jrir^^
Flies do not swarm on a new pot;
4798* Lj^u QuGsstQessT Lj^u QuemQessr Q/bq^ulj «r®^^6W/r, ttf-
0 bride, 0 bi:ide bring spme fire, wjiat awaits you i$ slippering.
4799* Li^€Q)LLUj.TSsr dBfrifliULD ^fT&sr ^ifli seSu-ids^^ev^
Certainly.it ia a strange. oQpui^'euce in kaliyuga.
TJie washerman inaugurated hi^ washing by be^t of tomtonji,.
480U /-/S9)^ii.;a> (oi®^^eijllem Lj(pui]r(o€V,
Like one, that ha^ discoveped buried .treasure^^ .
A foolish k^ng and an ignorant minister.
4803. i-{^^ ^pQ(nf^L£i ^^jk&ssTjr, Lf^^ .9^p[iQ(ff(^LL ^laQesiA,
Both the foolish and the wise slept*
'iL> I *«■•
4804. i^i^u^iT(^ u(S\)sjirek^
Au intelligent man is strong.
Th^re is nothing in whack the mature ip judgment fail.
4806- H<i^..^pu,Lfa>yi,
As soundi^^s ofgudgmentinciiease% praide will follow.
4807. H^^ ^ppsuk^Gir. u^^iu/nii^ QjaFtucu^ih eQuiPfiLbirih;
Even that which fools perform earnestly i^ wrong.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 4M
4808. ^^^ f^ssrofssrr (^&Hisu (SuiriidF Q^psinpu fiQiQdsrrerrsunr/r
When the foolish go to wash, they will daub themselves with mud,
4809, L/FtLif-u LjjiLi^u iu€inflaiSp(iuir^th^ iSen^uQei) tuessr ui^eQso
Even when kicked about and rolling in the dust, he affirnu that his
mustache did not touch the earth.
4810. ^05^^ jyf^«tf«i QsiT(L^iB^&sr (Safn9^fl^(Sutr€\),
Like the younger brother of the husband, rebuking him for beating
his wife.
1811. Li(f^e^SiH^(3 <qXPP i^^pftun^
The cloth covering the breast suited to the rank of her husband.
4812. Lf(f^€U;i^p uiLi^ireo sid^^^Qunr messr^sAp uiLu.ir€\) «/ffA
When does acid cause smarting, when it is applied to tbe eye- brow
or the eyes I
4813. LjeQ ^if.i(^(Lp&fr(Sasr SeQ ^i^ss(^iJa^
Struck with fear before struck by the tiger.
4814. L/<sQi(^u t9pi^ iSALb ^6oe\)(rmp Quir(^LLiT ?
Being born a tiger, will it be without, claws I
4815. LfsQ^^^^&ff ^frQ sT'^ssrCSsup^'iafTQ er&TGsr ?
What matters it to the tiger whether he is in,his uativ* jungle or
another?
4816. LfeQ'i^u t9pfB^ u^^ttJiriLJLj(Surr(^L£iT P"
Being. born a tiger, will it become a cat ?
1817, L/cfli ah.iLL-^^^e\) u^fT&sr j^i^uutLL^^Quire^),
As the deer was caught among tigers.
|^18.> Lfe9 QjFeB ^Q^SiU kaflaefPj)/,
Ajx elephant in rut wlKXie ears w ere wriang off by a tigerv
4S2 UffiQlLlTLfi.
Though one may escape the claws of the tiger, even the pricking
of its whiskers will prove malignant.
4820. 't/eS uS^^ireo i^eo^i^ ^9sr siUUo>ir ?
When the tiger is hungry, will he eat grass ?
4821. LjeB U^fEir^SU^ UITIU<3F^^6»(^ ^L^La,
The crouching of the tiger is the prelude to a spring.
He is like one fed on tiger's milk.
4823. LjeQstnuJu uiTir^^ isifl (^Q ^iL(Bii0^n'6^L-.^QuiTeo,
As the jackal branded itself in imitation of the stripes of a tiger.
4824. Lj2sO\U^i(^ eUfri(^<9= ar^^iLjU^ ^Sssmu-fLo ^^Sso,
The base do not talk decently, nor do they heed oaths.
4825. LjSsOfLjiii Q^frSsoiqth sBerreijih ^eQir,
Avoid lies, murder and theft. '
4S26. i-l^ fi-errerr ^L^^^d\) unrLLesiL^ ^iLemL^ (SiaiU ^lLl^it^.
It will not allow either sheep or cqws to graze where there
grass.
4827. Ljeo^iL ^lSiljld ^GfrerrLbLLQth,
As long as vegetation and the earth exist.
I
4828. Ljio^w LiuSiLjih «sB^^ii mfrQeuBiLju^ ^^eirrerrLLLLQui,
As long as vegetation, earth, rocks and the Cauvery exist.
4829. Lyffu^ eQp8p ^ss)L^u9(Sev ^ eQpSp^.
Selling flowers in a grass market i
4830. Lie\)2so^ ^esr^ih u:itT(SiQuiTS\)u LfSetniu^ ^^gpiio 0«*^
Will the red dog that eats tiger's flesh prove aa useful •» ik«
that eats grass T
J
TAMIL PROVERBS. 453
[831. L/(x^a«v)« «cvii> SQpeQ^ ^sir@^.
The low-borD does not eat from a washed plate.
I8J2. LjQ^ions ^jfisiLb ^jSiL^Loir i9ss9^^i(^^ ^iLif. ufius ^fSi
Does the low-bom appreciate good manners, does tbe oil cake pan
know when the cake is baked T
833. Li(L^iesiS ^Qpssm ^/Sturr^ i9/i/Bdsir iBirppih ^fSiuir^,
Menials are ignorant of manners, brass is unconscious of its iH
odour.
The sensibility of menials is in the neck.
835. LldLpaSu LjQ^iiSu LLfT §jif.;i^fr^w Lf(ipd§nS^Si(^ #^>(^
O « /r(y) «« l1 6» z-» ,
Though the slave girl who poutids rice labours so* as to perspire,
her share is only a cake.
Fat money for rotten articles.
He who has climbed a tamarind tree will come dowmwhen hi& teeth«
are set on edge.
Do you come to infuse acidity into the tamarind fruit ?'
539. (-/(er^Q^^U) Qutrr^/Bfisu Li^^Q&teifrQtii,
Even when boasting do it so as to secure belief.
Is a practical arithmetician fit to teach the theory of arithmetic ?
m. Ljpis9f>u. u^Q^i^ sesiekt^(s\ ^^jseuir^.
The medicinal plant in the backyard will not avail in an emergency.
46* uifiOuiir yS.
4842. Lipi(€jL^^^^ ^Gssres^irQufrGO.
Like water on the outside of a pot.
Blinking like an owl on an ant-hill.
4814. L^p/SKSeV l¥<3PeO LIpUUlLL^^CSufTSi),
Coming forth like a swarm of winged white ants from an antliU^
Rushing as a beaver snake from its hole.
4846* LjpfSQ^ /^<F6V LfpuuiLL^rr^Lby ubessresSQso mesypuntr&sf «.?•
^^ii LD&nifi eujrQeu euq^Cb^
When winged white ants issue out of a hole, and white ants swj
it will certainly rain.
4847. y ^irak ^(T^^'SSlj Qufrm^i(^ ^(ipeurrQesr&sr ?
Why weep for gold while you have the tulip tree !
4848- j^^essBdx/nu ^^^dssr Qp^^i ^ir^eo ^pjp/Sp^fr QpiS^
^pj^Slp^ir P
If a pearl be as large as a pumpkin, whei'e is it to be worn, in tin
ear ov in the nose T
4819, y^&'esSistnu erQ^^eudofr^ Q^ireS^Qeo afreasrev/riJD,
If one has taken a pumpkin, its mark may be seen on his shoulder
4850. y^^esSisiriu ^(i^Sesr^QuiTe\),
Like a decayed pumpkin.
4851. y,^LJ Li^u Ouiresr rSpih,
The more you gild it, the more like gold will it appear.
J
tamUl proverbs. 455
The priest began to wear flower?, an9 the flower garden became a
grove b{ jack trees.
■* ■ t i
Like driving a bear among those engaged in worship.
8)4. y^Si Lbfld5SpSls\)^^ L[i^6i]LD ^frSp^isoSeo,
0
Insects do not perish, nor do worms die.
'^)5. yiLifLU Lj9i%mi^p Lj9n^uUTir FF^anuuQufrdv ppiLi^ ^^^
UfTir,
Those who lock up their treasure and refuse to enjc^ it will be
deprived of it, as bees are deprived of their hon^y,
-
856. yiLQua ^puLfthQun-ev,
As a lock and its key.
857. y^sVLD lUfTsifih Qurrpjpi Qj^<aF si^t^'r ,
The three lights which the whole world extol.
858. y^^rresTLDfreitr iSefrZsir ^^^rrSsn^ ^rreQ ^iLt^pQrj>ib^
It is said that an indulged child tied a tali on his mother.
They can endure seeing their tree shedding its Tblossoms, but will
be disquieted at seeing others string and wear them.
■
360. ytS ^Qir iBL^euir^ q^essBuJeufrek,
A virtuous person under whose footsteps the ear4ih trembles not.
J61. yiB ^(5^® ^gSst.
Till the soil, and enjoy its produce.
One cannot strive with one boni under the star puridam.
'ttawii.ateakt^^t^
456 utfiQipn-jS,
IlieJbaae are void of good nutnii^js.
48.64. f^nrQoJrr^^ffih (StDQ^ air<i^jnii(Suir€\) §)Q^dSpjp,
His pedigree is weig]i4;y B;^rrjpwnt Mem.
His title is lord of the world, bat when examined he is found empij.
As. grass is sold in a^ flower i)[i^rket«
4867, LI eQpfD 6BGnu.u9so. Lfe\) eQ'pseoinmr.f
M^y grassi he sold in the flower market t
let the money obtained from the a9Je of flowej^ fragrant^ does thii
obtained from the sale of flesh stink f >
48>6^. y eQppeu^u Qurr&sr^ eQp^uuessr^pfCSeuGsr^
I will enable him who spld flowers to sell eold.
As a flbre, u«ed;^r ^^rijtiflfingF. flowers partook of their fragrance.
487U A}^^ £^jE769)6E(ij./rcA OuirpQ^frif.ujfnh Quiresr ^L^iJb ermoari
It is said that she is Lackshmi residing in flowers, and she isft
golden creeper, yet whithersoever she goes she is slippered.
•r- ••• • • ^
4872.. y Saor «v6»r.®T. ^i^^^^Seo ereS (Sujrek Quir^^ €r(tiiSpjs/,
The rat liyes tasee its, grand-sons and grand-daughters^ in a plic0
where there is a cat.
Cau you tether, an elephant in a^ place suited for tying up a eat ?
4874. ^3nrr«(g ^euSsO ^/rsw^T^ii fleuQpih.
AliQS-giwg.ai^^ penancjEi are not, prescribe to C||ta^
.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 457
4875. y,^^(S^ Qs/rmrL-iriLL^th eTSi(Q^ ^es8n^mLu.Ct,
Aciusement to the cat, and agony to the rat.
^876. y^'Ss9r6i(^^ StutretrLb eui/Bireo iSpppufTuSieo t^jr^mn'ih.
It is said that if a cat be merry, she will roll about on an old mat.
4877. ^Ssw ufrd)) (^i^iSp^Qurreo,
As a cat drinks milk.
4878. ^^Qufr€\) jyL-E/©g)sir i^eBQuTia umuiflir&rr.
He was quiet as a cat, and sprang like a tiger.
4879. ^Sesreniui seirru. SeS'Sufreou L/6V£it3 ^"ip^Qytifr.
He cries as a parrot encountered by a cat.
4880. (^Pjstr.cnoj^flrrisk effL-Qu LjeQQuJiArjp/Lo, ereS ^T^Qssrii9rj)/u>
A cat is called a domestic tiger, and the king of rats.
4881. QulLi^U^P UtTUiLjQuiTii) ^L^lElQ^^,
I He was as quiet as a snake in a box.
•4882. QuiLtf^ iSppev eufTiui slL®^ ^pta.
The basket is torn, but the rim is strong,
4883. QutLemi^m Q&tri^ €k.€SQiuir eQif-Sp^ ?
Does the day break at the crowing of a hen T
4884. QuiLetni^^ Q^tTi^ ^iLt^i &k.eifLDfr ?
Can a hen flap her wings and crow lik^ a cock ?
4885. Ou«wr €r&sr(nj>eo Quu^ld ^iriEi(^m,
Even a demon will pity a woman.
Love of women on the one hand, and love of property on the other.
458
tJ tfi Q Ui fr i^.
As the man who had no wife embraced a demoness.
A cuff for the man who left his wife at her mother's.
4889. GuGssr^^ir^ m^p&>iL®y i9ffn2siT euTuj<i<!ELLSl,
Fettered with a wife, and muzzled with a child.
4890' OueiffL^iTiLi'^ Q^iTessTL^^in ^gsstl^itiLl^u^ uiLl^j^u^ Quir^ii.
Enough of taking a wife and suffering the. cotiseqnences.
4891. Ouemi^ia^^ ^Lp(^ Qurr3'ir^(^^^^^
Not to remonstrate with her husband is an ornament in a wom'»n.
48 92. 0LJ6Wf®«6}r ^^^i(^LJ Lj if) Uid^lTST .
A straw twist for women to squat on.
4893. OusinQ^i^sih^^u Qup(frj>fT ^L-^^Sl^LD i9iin^yrsetr ^^t^ifi^
Women have no influence over parents and children.
Women are not in danger of forfeiting their rice.
4895. OL/6Wr63aTZrfi6!DL/<35 c^^^^B^^LJ (oUfTu'jU Quii^ ^.^^ ^^^Qf*
The going to a dance of celestials ended as a dance of devils.
4896- Ou€ssTesS'^ (gsjartb ^jSQ&s^ <sFiJbU/BQ enmu j^jSQski&fr,
I know the character of the bride, and the boisterousness of htf|
mother-in-law.
4897. QuGisf^^s>^{j Qunm ^iKSuurrir^ s^€urr^<i(^ ineifr QiLS^
urrir.
Look at a woman after adorning her with jewels, and at a wall
when you have plastered it with mud.
4898. OL/6wr^3a/<i(gii Quirdr^m^^Lb Q^trpLj ^gsstl^it f
Is any one ever tired of women and wealth I
TAMIL PROVERBS. 459
4899. Qu€5sr^pii(^u Qufruju Qu/rs!sr^^(^Lj iS&sreun-tki^soiriLrr ?
Having gone to take a wife, can you turn back because marriage is
expensive I '
For a wife, a mother-in-law, for a boy, a tutor.
Did she give one a wife, or did she give one her eye ?
4902. QuGssrfjsfpsTu i9es)in Outj^<95<slj Qupp^mu QeuGsart^irQiLT ?
Are you content to lose your mother in order to pardon your
wife?
4903. Qu^3sim<i 0«/r6ror® e^utusir QutuirQ^sk, tS^jyrSw Qup^^
©^«S isfrujfr^srr.
Having married a wife the boy has become a fool, having given
birth to a child the damsel has become mean in appearance.
4904, OuGssrdssm (SeuessTQiii (srmqrfe^ ^etflajp 6i^^lssvT i^i:^,
If you want the woman, lick her bleared eyes.
4905. OuckfT Lj^^ Q<3SLLSp6um Quiu.
He who listens to the advice of women is a fool.
4906. OhJ€ssT Ljji^S i9mLj^iQ^
The thoughts of women are after-thoughts.
4907. QuGssr €ueiriT^Q iSirssaisiQdim^,
The growing of women is that of a gourd creeper,
4908. Qufflajnrsvirr^ ^iSssariOmnrerr,
Secure the good will of the great.
4909. OuiflQiUfri' ^«V6U/rii Quff^iunEih jysv6W/f.
All who are high in stature are not great.
460 u ifiQ LdfTifi.
4910. OuiBSiu/rn-Qfi^ ^frtfii^ (Su^€\), m/rfa9rdsOLj(oUir€» tdiSH^
Q^fretreutriTsefr,
When speaking submissively to the great, they preserve an erect
posture like a reed.
■ ■ rf
4911. QufiQiuirir Qpeir er^ir^^uQu^eOj Q€uefrerr^^p(^(Lpar mf
If they should contradict the great, they will fall like trees before
a flood.
A tight knot cannot be formed in a thick rope.
4913. Ourn^iEtsnriuLD ^Q^i^ uiressTL^ii^,
An earthen pot in which assafoetida was kept.
4914. Ouq^iB (BirpfiSeo iSSstruu^Sr up^Qp^Quireo,
Flying like cotton before a gale of wirid.
4915. OuQ^ii (^ev^^s\) i9p/B/5tr^ui L^,i^ ^ppeu&sr SQ^UiL^u ^u
Qurrev,
Though bom in a high family, a fool is like a sugar-cane flower.
4916. Qun^ii OdB/rcjoL- i9^€v>^dssrrjr(7^dS(^^ 3f«wflai/,
Beggars presume on large gifts.
4917. OuQ^ QiB(i^uLfi(^ firjriii ^^eini^fT?
Will moisture affect a great fire.
4918. Ourr^ Lbjr^es)^^ arpi$\u eu&r&FldQ^frt^(Su/r€\>,
Like a creeping plant-JDiOsconea aativa^ronnd a large tree.
4919. OuQ^ metnLp eQ(ipi^rrp (^efijr/r^.
No feeling of cold in a heavy fall of rain.
4920. QuQ^Uifreir ^Q^ASp eueniriB^ ^(ti^isfreir C-«wr®.
As long as Perumal exists., holy days will be observed.
TA^flL PROVERBS. 461
4921. Quq^mtreff er^Sip Quoj^mrr ihirppu Quifiiu QuQ^LDfrerr j^4f
Tbe name Perumal being changed has become great Peru mal.
5922. QuQ^unrSssTif (S^iTi(o^irn^(^u i9pLJLj ^wSsu, i9^&sy^^Q€=irp
j3p(^ ^^&€0 g)6035U,
Those who have attained union with God are not subject to future
births^ rice given in alms is not refused because it id refuse.
4923. QuQ^Lmr&sr fSSesr^^fr^ euirtpeif (^enpsiiir^ iSjtllit /Bdsvr^/Sfrtv
^tLj^ (^esipeufT ?
If Goi is pleased, will there be any lack of prosperity, if Brahma
favour, will one's life be short ?
Pride will diminish one's worth.
4925. Qu (T^€9) L£nufr€9r fliB^^jTGsr effem.
Pride in a poor man is vain.
4926. QuQ^enu^ ^0 QppLL LjesiL^^jp er(3^/sir€^ ^cirjyii ^^3r).
When a sieve, full of pride, is sifted, nothing remains.
4927. OuQi^GDUitLfih ^jpfeinmiLjuy euirtuirey) guqeld.
The great and the little come from the mouth.
4928- Qu(T^€s>iiia(^ ^iL&^L^ ^isf-^^u t9errSofr esjsuQsv 3ifr&nfl<9= &iiL
He killed a sheep to show his greatness^ and gave the ear to hi»
child after roasting it.
1929. Qun^ ^u^esi^ e^efm-^ujeuQ^ui iSjrQiuir^esTuaraj ^0««£ij/rLl
The great are not alvHtys helpful, the lofty palmyrah casts no
shade.
4(>2 u ifiQ LDir L^,
4930. G^(5 €uS^ Q^fTGhri—^ ^jSujfruie\) ^Lbi^^^p^m fSfr&r ^ilS
<s O 65 /r sir L- /r eir .
Not knowing that his wife is aflfected with dropsy, he hars fixed
upon a day for the performance of her simantham ceremony.
A ceremony relating to the first pregnancy, including bathJDg, tbt
imi'ting of the hair in the middle of the forehead, pnttibg on
jewels, (kc, &c.
4931. Qupp fBn\h ^u.ji^Qevir 9>pp e9^&n^ dsrrLL(SS(nf>tu ?
Do you practise your arts on your mother ?
4932. Qupp ^irdj Q<3=^^ire^ Qupp ^uugst Sppuu&fr,
If a mother dies, the father becomes uncle.
4933. Qupp fiirdj u&^^(f^'i%u tBir/TLDeifsr (SiAjfr^&frili Q^sriuj^ji
Quir€\),
Like feeding brahmans when oae*s mother is starying.
4934. Qupp^ er€\)e\>frih i9&fr^iiu/r ^iLi—^ ersoevirth uu^jr^r ?
Are all that are brought forth children, is all that is sown avaihibld-
for use ?
*4935. Qupp^ srsv€\>tnh i9<stTSsfr(Siurr eitSswi^^,. ereueu/ru) (5*"**
Are all that are brought forth children, is all earthen ware fexb^-
that is fashioned by a pottekT I
4936. Qupp uy€STLD i9^j^y i9ffa2s(r mmii^.^e^^;
The mother's heart is soft, that of her child. is as a stone.
4937. QupQ(fflTic^ ^&i^^ S^ppQpih &€STQpiD,
The wise are not jnoved by relationship or anger. .
4^38. Qu^u CSuiSF €rfB^uUfr'€fr)ea^tLiui euQ^ih,
, Any language may be learnt by continual speaking.'
TAMIL PROVERBS. 463
4939. ^u&'ir^QF^ihjsiT&i i9sff)Lp ^mj^Lb ^^Sso,
No fault arises if nothing ii spoken.
4940* QuSeo jyus\)LD (2u^fr<i3BfrfS\) smonm.
When he speaks it is to no purpose, when he does not speak ifee i*
accounted dumb.
4941. (oUi^&rii ^pp fBiTlij (SeUtL&TjL^dS^ -^'^/''JS/*
A noisy dog is not fit for hunting.
4942. Qudra^6^(m ^jrfreuessTsir i2estL^ (^ubu^ltcssr^ir^
In speech he is Bavana^ but he turns out to be Kumbhakafnaan,
Is contradiction becoming T
4944, C?L7«fF63)<y eQpj)ii &/rujaiS'i (^L^dSQjf>6ir.,
He sells his words>. and cooks and drinkd,
1945. (Sutf- 69X<3Su9(SV ^Q^fB^ ^ILj ^ LdQ U fT €\) ^
Like a weapon in the hands of a hermaphrodite?
k946, Qui^ esxmiBeo euffevQuirQeo^
Like a sword in tUe hands of a hermaphrodite,
947, (Su^Lo ^ppsmr £'^LD ^ppeuir^
He who is impartial is. just*
Fools in the midst of a flood.: will wander abdut f^r water to driok.
Simplicity, is the ornament of a wonaan.
950. QuiufT^^Cb ^uj, li^fT^^th QiDfr/r.
Though like a demanshe is a-mother, though mere slop, it is buttw-
nulfc.
464 uifiQihirtfi.
4951. QuiLjLb ftcv^ ^!r{uu^ us(i^im.
Even a demon will have some reason to assign.
4^52. (SuiLi ^i^uj SLLUth(Sufre\),
Like a pole on which a demon dances.
4953. (Sudj Oa/r&ssTL^/r^ih Quessr Qsireirenio ^d^nr^.
One may take a demon, but not take a wife.
4954. Quiui(mi setr eufrir^^^Qufrev,
Like pouring out toddy to a demon,
4956. C?Ljaj«(5 Qisiiut9dsoQuirQe\>.
As margosa leaves before a demon.
4956. (Suius(^ QetiSso ^LLi^^Qu/rev,
Like setting a demon to work.
*— — ^fcfa
4957. Qudjieh-^^LD ^LD€ssr65(^LD .^(SfrQ u IT ^eo M^ 0/Sif}ujrrffi,
A devil dance is a garden of castor oil plants^ if one gets in he it
not iseen again,
4958. (SuiLi ^id^s/r^ui '^^^^ ^(L^^iT^Lb j^atrjp.
If a demon smiles it is bad, and if he weep that too is inauspidofl^
4959. Quiu i9if.ia6i]LD iBeirfew t9es)tfiiaeijLbir ?
Will a child struck by a demon survive ?
4960. Quiu QufTiuu LjeiFliULDsr^^eo ejfS&r^Qutr^^.
As a demon ascended a tamarind tree.
I
4961. (SujT/resyiFisn'jrSssrLJ Qu(T^LDLj^sire\) Q6U€0€\)(o€U€fkir(Sui,
The avaricious must be overcome by notorious lies.
4962. (SujTiresifF QuiS^uj /B&fLU.Ui,
Avarice ends in loss.
4963. Qunr g)€y6V/r<5F &^GsreS^ ^"^ijf>, i9efr2sfr gjmicoir^ Q^€Q§iiih uf^
The presence of one without reputation does no good, wealth with"
out a child is useless.
TAHIL PBOVEBBS. 465
4964. enu^fTGn^u uaSQujii,
Yield not to a demon.
4965. enuijSLStfiLJ Lje\)(S6un'nr urrtLQ^^ ^tbp€UG/r^
He is worthy to be 8iing by poets.
4966. enuuj^ Qs'mQf^eo emeutuih fSirii^Lb,
If you walk gently, the earth will bear you.
4967. ctDL/iu SfSifB^^ (SeuL^^ ^tf-, uf$fil iB^^fi^ umj8 ^t^.
The light footstep is that of the hunter^ the firm footstep is that of
the hog.
4968. enuiu Qmrnqifi^ udsttrtniuiLjih Qine^eoeoirLD^
If masticated slowly even a palmyrah tree may be chewed.
4969. €9)uu9fb stLif-eneu^fi Qutrq^eir ujSQsirQidiLJUiLL^jp,
The wealth tied up in a bag was lost.
Qur.
4970. Qugiseu/nii^S Qua^^^eiririh QuiriBunrstieu,
It is said that a toothless dame appreciated the rice flour.
Ill times of plenty the tamarind tree blossoms, in times of scarcity
the mango bears in abv/nda/nee,
I 1 » I ■ I II 111.
1972. Qutr^ ^etTkSipflp(y^Qp&s((Sesr s^^fBfB^p^ ^eniSipfiiT p
Ataa I to measure out the hire, before measuring out the load t
€fD€Uji^ eQiLQi^ Q^js^i St^ifiirtir^
Having loaded his bullock^ he wettt abegging; the product he fx^t
on one side, and died,
30
468 i^ysiQuiir^i
Am I to m^sure out the hire before a4JU8ting the load T
4975» Quir^esy/ig^ SrGafridinrujCSutrQev ,
Like a fleshy gourd.
^^
I ■» I ^-aa^aii^
4976-. QutnLi @(5'5^ LjeoLDLfih Qmiu ^a^i^ eQL^i(^LCi.
»
FisJsehood will never cease to weep, truth will ever be coaspicuoos
4977- GlufTtu e_t55)t-^ ^(j^a/eir QiFired €U€ir€inLbu9^eo QmiuQuir^uA^
The falsehood of a iiar by reason of its force^ may a}»peaj! like trntiv
may appear Uke truth.
4978. Ouir.dj Q&'fT&ireisr eufnu^(^LJ Qutr^^srin S&nL^uJir^.
The m.ouih accuistomed; to Kes will be deprived of food.
4979. QufTtu Q^frA'csr €U/rujS(^LJ Qufr^iLjta Sev^i^iuir'^.
The mouth accustomied to lies will be deprived of even, parcluit
corn.
4980. Qu/riLi QiSFirffOsQ euirtp tkjseu^iih ^eoSs*),. Ounu Q^ir€\)^s Q*^
No one ever prospered by telUngJies, no onje was ever reduced to
poverty by speaking truth.
4981. Qujruj: Qlduj.wuJ' Qesamg^wif ?-
Will falsehood conquer truth f
4982. QujriUiU/r:€sz Quirq^tstr.irsf^.^ Q>u>ujuj/resr ^:^isa/fm^€naJ tOeoi^
The folse love of money, will take away tbje real love of divine
grrtce.
Falsehood on one sidfe, and envy on the other;
. ■ »■ ■ ■ .
4934. Qufftumai^ Q^frmQ)^fj> .Qt4tr(Ti^m/S'^ Q<sF7r6^^(7«Miir®i/>..
Though you t^U lies> do so: considtently..
TAMIL PROVERBS. 40>7
4985. Ou/r(5t-Ssaru QuirpjSe^iry^.
Preserve your substance and live.
4986. Ou/rQ^etriren^iLfiii inesr^^friL^tLith Quft(/^iiffiLbir'?
Will covetous desires and conscience agree I
Giving one^s wealth and incurring censure.
(988. Qu/r(j^(Si^ih Quir^Qpta 6iL.i^eujrtr^ L^eAnesiflujCSiD af^^L^euQ^Lo^
Wealth and pleasure will be separated from us, but virtue wiUl
abide.
1989. OuiTQ^etr QuiTGsr eut^Qtu ^j^^u^ Qufrih,
Whithersoever wealth goes, sorrow follows in the same path*.
The wicked heart resists reproof.
1991. Oufreoe\)iriB(^ er&ffuemeu eret)€i)fnh fleQii,
Avoid whatever is evil.
1992, QurreoGOfT^ Sfre\)m Q^irsvev/rLaeo euikjs^.
Inauspicious times come without giving notioe>.
tufr^LDmLL^fr/rdsetr,
The anger of the wicked is like a fracture in a stoniO, they are not
easily reconciled..
!994. Quire\)iSOfr^ (^gsst^^s(^ ll^/b^ ^^esstt^tr P
Zs tiiere any medicine for a bad temper I
&95* Qu,tTioeoirfl®fir£Beff diiimir^^LD ^ulj msfsrreQsy^ ^LpikfB /fit
The friendship of the i^iricked is as bitter as water Id brackish soil..
A bad child is worse than uooe..
1|I68 uifiQ incfT i^^ .
4997. QuiTQp^ UzIl- §)i-LD eQQ^ afldi- ®z-a>.
Halting where the sun sets.
4998. Ou(r(tg^ ^cf-ifi^ utreniJD Q/Sfr2eoi^jp^
The day has dawned, sin is ended.
4999. OuirfS QeueinpeuQesr ^/SeQeor (^n^eutrih.
He alone who couquers his senses is a teacher of wisdom.
5000. QiJir^^ ermu^ at^isS^Ln Quifij^,
Forbearance is greater than the ocean.
U;
5001. QtJfrjpjji^e\) ^ia^uUfTiu ^nF/B^fr^ih Qu'frjpifidBu 'Qufrjp/^s^
Although suffering may be bitter, continued endurance will make
it sweet.
5002. Quirj^^^irir y^tS ^erreuirir,
'those who put up with injuries may rule the earth.
5003. QufT^^^mr ^jr^nrea&iirir QumaSl^fr »irL^tr&T€kiirir,
They who endure will reign as kings^ the irascible will wane
through the jungles.
5004. Qutr^^min Lf.mr€9sOuj^^p(^ Qeuir Quir(j^etrfr€S)<F uirev^^p^.
QsiiHr,
Patient endurance is the root of religious merit, avarice is therorfj
of sin.
A gold Vessel does not sound, a brass one does.
5006. Ouirp siruLjaif^ ^tm^uutKBu LjSSm &DmiiSe\) ^^f^uuL-
Like one whose dedire for a gold bracelet, buhied him into
claws of a tiger.
* 4
5007. Ouirp y^eSeir eufr^2sia'iL^iD (ip(i^i^iii L^oSdr enir^F^iijib ^S,
The smell of a flower of g«ld and tkat d the murdddni floirer
alike*
TAMIL FI^OVEaBS. fQd
1OO8. Quirp y euff^i^ubtr ?
Does a golden flower diffuse fragrance !
The ornament of reputation is greater than ornaments of gold^
^^mm
OlO. Qurr&fT ^jreu€\) s_«bt®, ^ ^jr&jeo ft_6wr«— /r ?
Gold may be lent, can flowers ? ,
Oil, Qur^ 6r«ir(7ytfU i9eaifr(ipih eunrdj ^p^(^tD,
If the word gold be uttered, even a corpse will open its ihouth,
012. Qurr&fTSi^^ ffrekj^ ^(^p/^JP ^ jpf^i^i Qs trek err ebiTLAir f
May one cut his throat with a knife because it i»made of gold!
013. Qurr&sr &n^^ Li^LbCSi.i/rQei), ' -
» Like the demon that guarded treasure.
014. Qufr&frQ^Q^uL^ -^^a^^ mtr^ir^^^iT&sr (oUfrL^QsueifBr®tM^
Though golden slippers, they must be put on the feet.
Why should a woman who has no gold beads be called Ammani t
One should wear either a gold crown, or matted hair.
^^■■^^•^
If one has a golden house, what house can he not get ?
The golden hall ot-Chidambaram, and the town Puvanagiri, ar^
always in trouble.
119. Quire!fr^eian'e5£i(j^u Lf&fl caffzl® .|^«Sg)sv s.6wr^<i(g er^
^ If acid be' miked with ponninkini'-l'Bece&rum sessiltAi^ flavoui^
will be agreeable to the whole palate.
L
4ya UAfiQmirip.
6020. (olurrGfrQ)iEiSfressf)i^u LjeS gQlLQ ^<sfi(^0U £_6»r^u Qum
The compound of ponnank&ni greens-i/2ece&rum-and tamarind, wlQ
enable a girl who has lost her appetite to eat an ulak of rice.
5021. Quir^Q)€tfr inGsretnjsu L]€fm^i(^@(nf^^,
He ulcerates the golden mind.
5022. (Sufrear^Qe\) dBCVti fi_6wrz-_/r(g)jy/Lb LD6ikr^)(Se\) Sreuir Qem
I'hough one may possess vessels of gold, the wall of his hom
must be of mud.
®£i.
Though the daughtec4n*law is made of gold, she must have ft]
mother-in-law made of earth.
Golden ploughs were used for the cultivation of the millet,
the crop was less than the seed-corn.
5025. QuirGsresH^sr ^4^^Qp(^u QufrtKSl ^tLQu uirirsdi QeurnQt^'f
Must a royal mark be inscribed on a golden pot, that it may appctf ^
the more beautiful T
5026. QunmsS&sr (^i— li ^^Gfn^i^trp Ouir&sr ^(^ti ereisretr ^'^^
Though broken to pieces a golden pot will still be gold, of w)
V use is an earthen pot when broken ?
5Q27. Ouir&aSsfT cfi6uiSp Q^iruSeBQeo ^efnemuirenj^ es^eaimQsum
Qui.
Flowers, at leasts must be offered in a temple in which gold ij
offered.
TAMIL PHOVBRBS. 471
5028* OuirarSur erjSfS^fr^ih Quirtf.i S^lr^fu mfSliU^irihiT?
Althoagh you may throw away gold, you may not throw away
edible iierbs !
Inquire the way to the village whither you are not going.
If you go where you ought not; you will receive a c^ff that might
have been avoided.
5031. (?LJ/r«4B6wr£i QstLi^eueir jrtf^^rreD^tD Ouifliusu^,
• r • ■
An impudent person is greater than a king.
, Quirm(^ ^pp mniu^(Sk- Qutr&r^ ereoevirui eu^^
A hungry dog finds a way wherever he goes.
Though one's food be slight, the dish must be large.
5034". Qutr^&ir Qs^ffio^fi 'fiiLt^ffQ/Sy uirfi^t^ g)«iS^!*;3Ll,^/rC?^.
Obey yoybT religious teacher, approach not the house of the wicked.
>035. (oUfr^S(T^6i(SdS Q^fT.fi^ssr tQ^&rih,
A religious teacher, meets with many temptations.
)036. (Surr^ih srekp wearCSin QtJtr^ Q^tuiLjLb Ui(f^i^^
A contented mind is a specific for making' gold.
i037, QurrX^eo aai^ Q^tf.<osr s^LbUm/Bth.
Akin to seeking a needle in a heap of straw.
►038, Quiresari suLtf^esieu^^uQuiriLQiu i5<y«D«F«^Ly QufreuiQ^sr^p
Having stacked your corn, why go abegging I
472 uffiQibir^fi.
5039. QufrQjrirCS ^^Sp u^iriLQi(^u iSIQifSSiu (SurnLQi «ilfl
When an ox is accustomed to eat at a heap, will it be satisfied with
a handful ?
5040. Qurrtr^QfifT^e^ i^SiQvLjeo,
Do not practise the art of war.
5041. Qutrir i9(SiB(^SjD6Ufrseir u^jrisetrih <flp/r®ffl^ai;f«Sstr u)/rtl(B%
It is said that those who steal from a corn-stack, will frighten
those who glean stealthily.
5042. (?u/r350<i^ ^(5 QuirminGsS SewL-^/y^/rii, ^ssifB^ jgr««*
^essfosiSiid QfitrCJBi^ O^^CJBtu urrHr^^fliriM,
It is said that the hollow-headed woman obtained a gold bead, and
that she examined it when she was sleepy.
5043. ©LJ/rSa) OufTjpiisu Qu/r^&'mh ySsw (gjpf^Qa CSu/r^^rih,
It is said that the destitate went out to gather ortp, and a d^
went across the path.
That which one eats as the fruit of his owq labour, is proptfff
called food.
5045. (puiresr arjr^&n^u LfeS ^iLQ ^&nifi^^^Qun-eo^
Like inviting a fever that has subsided, by ^ving acids.
5046. Quiresres>^ iBSfvrdSpeuek Lf/i^ Q^tLu^eu^fr^
He lacks sense who brooda over the past.
5047. Quiresr u^iriLeni^/i Q/f(Bleii/rQ^u> gjeoSeo, (ounu/ifl ^^efl QsirQu
There is no one to seek the lost cow, none to pay the hire of ^^
cowherd.
wjir^i^m^^m^^fmt
TAKIL PBOVIBBS. 473
QustT.
Be graceful as the moon.
5049. Queireuu QuQ^enm Q^iueu^ O^iuQso^
The greatness of the ocean ahowa the work of God.
5050.' QueneuLD ^^pp^ ^is9)S^ Q&^eu&DSU ^pp^ eujifii&nss.
The body is like a bubble, one's present existence is not lasting.
LDf.
5051. Lb^Qj^eaiT ^® ^i^^j^u QuiLfm <^®Spj0,
When butted by a ram of Mahad^var, even the demon shakes its
head.
5052. tLs^i(^Lj Lf^^ Q&'/reoeQ^ /^iriu ^eit^tnB (Sufr^ew^tD,
The mother, having given advice to her daughter, played the harlot.
— *^^— ^*— ■
5053. i^^&r Q^p^/srr&r ^rriu ,S«(5 mfi/p(n^en'.
The daughter is dead, the mother is become destitute.
If the daughter die her remains are regarded as a pinam ; if the
son, his corpse is a savam.
5055. LD'Ss&ir Q^^fB^^iti 6f/r«Ll®Lb izj^iodBelr Qa^fTiLt^in ^L^iaS^p
No matter if my son should die, it will suffice if the arrogance of
my danghter-in-law is checked.
5056. LD«/rLD«£i umesfljr^ssr® eu(j^<s^^^p(^ ^q^ eQetr)^,
Mahamaham festival is celebrated every twelfth j^ear.
5057. LD6B/r (?LO(25®n6y«y Q^^lrih^ ^rrsiopui QufrsksaflpLLfrLb,
Even a crow if it arrive at Mah^mt^ru is said to assume a golden
hue.
474 ' u LfiQwir lJ^.
5058. LD«/r jrrr^freS&sr aS\uiT€asrji^so i^jrfrarrjrLn Q/6tu uiLl. uir^.
At the marriage feast of the Maha Rajab, even cold rice water is
rare as ghee.
5059. L^^fT e\''L-^LS uirQ^^LD Qufresr^Qufrso,
As Maba Lakshmi went on a pilgrimage.
5060. LbSlSSiiD */5^/f? iT>^^SS)<Ski ^gj^/fl.
Illustrious beauty, leave the door ajar.
5061. ^oSOT)LD<i^ j)/^Siu LDQEiLmQssr ernF€v>LOds a&n'esypi Qaffi
Thou modest son-in-law, do .not kill the young buffaloa.
Tbis was said to a man by his motber-in-law. Wishing to appftr
to her a anaaU eator he stiated himself at hia ordinary meaU, and yet
appeared to flondah. Casting about for a solution of the mysleff
her attention was called to the ill condition of a yonng buffaloa. Sus-
pecting that her son-io-law was the cause of this, she resolved to
watch his movements'. Th0 following night she saw him emerge
fruni hi8 room and proceed to the buffaloa, whose milk he exhaoste^
and returned to liis own quarters. On the morrow when betook
his food she addressed IVim in the language of the proTerb-
5062. LL£str.uuuLLi^eiJ^d(^ lljtgssilo^ unTLLQi^ffwussiUtu^i^^
DcMlh to the distinguished, homage to the cowherd.
Cne matro I flourishes in the water-lily, and one weeps bereft of
her marriage symbol.
5061. Lr^^^&fT «oyra^Lb ajtrc^ u^q^ld dFifi,
The dishonest t.icks of children, and the husks of varagu are alikfc
5003. i/'^^eir Qa'fTj^ ^GSTQif&x loSs^dih (^6ff>pu^u>,
To Le fed by ch'ldren is a disgTftce to parents.
TAMIL PROVEnBS. 475
5066. LLisir€^ir^u Quirdjm Qs(ri(^u iSi^^^^Qun^,
Like going on a pilgrijnage to Mecca, and catching a crane.
5061, i^Eisminf) sufiflrrJT ^la^s LDsntp Qutu^s^,
Montgomery came, and it raided fine gold.
5068. UiiEi(^LD «/rcvii> LDiriisirtu Qufrsj(^Ui «/r60ti Lfsifltuibi^fruj,
In time of scarcity, mangoes, and in a season of plenty, tamarind
fruit, are abuodaut.
5069. insies*m ^iLi-iT^io «ffiy63><s5a9(?6U Qp^(^oiifTefr «/E/g2o« ^iLu-fr
If the damsel is polluted she may be cleansed by the ganges, but if
the gaDges be polluted whither can she go !
5070. Ln^^^^9sr g(J5*«(g ^uUifL. er&fTQif^^^ infr^rreifi^ eruu
If such be the condition of the young, fish, what will be that of the
mother I
5071, Lo«5F<^/r2»rL!y zj/r/f«<fE e^pe^io ^svSso, LbSesxTu Ufririsi ajp/uLiih
No friendship superior to that of a cousin, nothing blacker than
hair.
The word m^^rsb is used for a brotlier-in-law, and also for a
maternal uncle's son.
5072. iJ^<F<3'/Teir Q&'^^tri)) LhSUr Qu(T<sf^ siLbusifl Oip^^sy^ /SLoi^
If my brother-in-law die I care not a hair, his cumbly mattress
will be mine.
■¥
5073. t£)t5F«j)«F jyz^^^/rev (^<9'&^<i(^ih ^^iT^,
If the roof be destroyed, the houbc will not answer for a hut.
Though one may not worship god by bathing him, and scattering
flowers on him, we are taught to keep him in mind.
476 ULpQi£ifr.ifi,
5075, LLL^^Stfi^eS^id L]^^ s^&rerr eurreBum ^Qslo,
A prudent youth is superior to a stupid old man.
A stupid question needs no answer.
Besides a choultry, there is nothing, — not even water,
5078. to:— ti i9(SliiQd5 Q^fTemQ (oufr(^ui(oUir^ ibifisussr^^i^
After the choultry has been destroyed, he asks the way to the
flower garden.
5079. ^0^ LDfrisismu (oumLQ^ ^Sso QeinLu.€\)iTmir ?
Are you about to behead one upon whom you have forced mango
fruit I
If you have money in your waist-cloth, you may be afraid on the
way.
5081. mt^e^uJu iSu^^s^i ^errSstr ew/r/f^jj/ ' u^uSesiiru i9ip.^^i sin
Having forced one to take toddy, do you seize him by the hair aiJ
demand payment ?
5082. LDiLi^rrsor Quir^esTLD ubesr^pr^ LbQip^S,
Moderation in eatincr exhilerates the mind.
5083. miLtf. «r(5«i<g5Sso ldl^co inu.e\)rr(ULj ^/iflir^ih, in(T^<iQsir^i^
euiTe2ssr eiiQ^miT ?
Though the erukkalai bears bunches of flowers, has it the fragrance
of southern- wood- a?'f6mi«ia austriaca ?
5084. ^lL® ^eoe\)iruijb 0^fr(Siji5fr^ih ^iLQi Q^C-^ed «^«^^.
Though he gives liberally, it is not right to hear his abuse.
5085. u^tLejii^d ^ifter^ujiqLo' Lot^uu&reSiutrenfTiLiLd ibu^uuUl^^^,
f alm*steim charcoal and Madappallis are not to be irusted*
TAMIL PROVERBS. 477
5086. maw^Q^Quidv eOQpi^ mefntfi^^efl e^t^Qeir u^enptifUk; ^jgi
Drops of riiin falling on sand will instantly disappear, in like manner
favours shewn to the wicked will be soon forgotten.
5087. irtasrp Q^irpjSio scv ^djeu^(pU/r€V,
like picking out stones wlien eating a dish of sand.
5088. u^&ssSi ibir ^esy^FtUfTLbSV ^jrrr^QoJuirjrLo UGkr^piSpjs/,
So to govern a kingdom as not to move even the tongue of a bell.
5089. LDtiir (^^€«)/ristnfu /Bihi3 ^p/Seo ^piEJ^evfrLnrr ?
May one descend into a river relying on a mud horse ?
5090. iii6ikreff)U.i(m^ ^^is^ Qsir&lsreiDL^ (Suin^CSeueirrQui,
The knot of hair must be proportioned to the size of the head.
5091. Ui€in-es)L^u9eo erQp^ LLaQjrnrsd u^effip^^ ^Quired,
Like writing on the skull and covering it with the hair.
5092. ineifretnL, ^^efrmeuGmiTSeo <F6yfi (Suirarr^,
As long as the head remains phlegm will abide.
They may have house and grounds who know how to take care of
them.
Dried cow-dung is the proper form of wedding cake, when the
bridegroom is made of sand.
Made of earth, thou art earthy.
096. u^cssrGSfSi&srQu^eo iS&sfj^n Qu&ssr ^jru^ Qs'ireoe^irQ^,
Whilst on earth pervert not judgment, in the case of a woman.
097, U^mrdam^ ^^(ff^in LDempfu^ ^^.
Though what you may eat be sand) eat it in a secluded place.
478 UffiQinfTi^.
5098. Lb6ssr(S^(oL^ i9p'iae\)irLo ^L^mQ^Qu^ tS^i^^Sa).
It were better to be born of the earth, than to be your brother.
5099. u^Gssr ucS^^ ^GssrQemso^
Do not live by extortion.
5100. LDfiHTiiJeTrSsrr .^g)Ji2/Lb ^esr i9fffrSetr,
Though earthen, one's own child is precious.
5101. i^ewr ^8sw ^(g)jjyzi stSu i9i^^^ireo ^fi.
Though the cat is made of mud, if it catch rats, it is enough.
5102. LLGssrOeutLt^ ^h-^ev ^/SliLfLbfr ?
Is a hoe sensible of cold T
5103. LbemQeuSiooQajfr LfessrQeu^Qiutr?
Are you engaged in making earthen ware, or sores ?
A child has neither the power of singing nor discretion.
5105. Ld^esr LbSe065(^ €^ui9i^e(iirLD,
He is comparable to Mathana mountaiQ.
5106. tii^fft9iiifresrili Sr^tr^miresriDi Qfl^trtSittrssTLD,
Love of father, caste, and country.
5107. Ui^iLi/r^ eufr<SF69€\) tB^iUtrQ(i^LjuQ^ tu^^iuLo,
It is not well to tread even on the iihresl^old of a house in whick
you are not respected.
5108. Lb^lLjUi £.£XJ^ €B^qiii &-LOJP.
Thy purpose and thy destiny.
The settled judgrnent, and the decrees of God, are in barmonj.
5109. Lb^entu iS&a- (^ifitBfl.^Quireo,
. -As the AUuracimoand'i^e'niQOik.
J
TAMIL PEOVEUBS. 479
5110. tLSs\)(oLoso ®(5<«©^ y%»r(?t-//ra) g)(T5«ffl(3P«Jr.
He is like a cat on a wall.
Spokeo of one who makes the most of his position.
5111. tfi^ i9i^ ssedS9LCi(oUfrio ^0^Sp^,
Like the uproar of a honey drop.
5112. iL^emirs^ euL^ eurruSe\) ^Q^^Sp^.
The way to Madura is in the mouth.
5113. m/B^jrth sirso LdQ Qp^xirio,
The. incantation is one fourth, and common sense three fourths.
5114, UiiB^jr^^s\) LD/nBjsfnu ^(ipintr ?
Will ma&goes fall by a charm T
Religioua ceremonies not regulated by a form, will continue till
san-set.
It ia the attribute of a minister to foretell things likely to occur.
5117. Lbi^S ^&>e^rr QajfrdFSssriLjUi ^tti^iii ^&)€0fr<3F Q^tsanfLo Q^t
Old.
Decisions without councillors, and troops without arms, will peri3h.
Do you ezpect milk in the fold, and curds at home i
'119. L0tt9/r p^eireiT QibiriLif. euirtfi Qpif.mQ(ff.efr ^
The damsel who. has a fine head of haic, combs aud dresses it.
Friendship so close that a hair cannot be introdued between, tha
parties, will be destroyed if money, matters interpose.
121. ioa9/F SrL,(Sl^ mfliuir&pfiir^
Can chajreoal be formed by burning hair f
480 utfiQtLirtfi.
5122. LOflS/r i9miiE eu&nsQ^if^^pQuirev^
Like seeking means to split a hair.
5123. iiiu9e\)frLJy^ir ^rf? ^.e^i^^^uQuirQp^ €Tm(irf€\iy euqF^&p «J
Like saving it may be deferred to the next committee, on hear-j
ing that the Mylapore tank has given way.
5124. LLu9(Seo Lbu9(osv ffreir(af>eo ^p(^ Q.6Sfr(SH(^iiifr ?
If you exclaim 0 peacock^ O peacock, will it give you its feathers!
The peacock-eyed bride is phronsied, her bridegroom is iu anguidi
5126. u^jreasr^^gfiiui (3«^£— iniTirim^^m(^u u\Uuu(B.
Be more afraid of a vicious course than of death.
5127. u^STGssrfis^p^ eu^ LCitLif.evSso.
There are endless ways that lead to death.
5128.^ Lbs-^^eo ®(5«^ eQQpijseuSssr LD/r(d iS^flfS^^uireo,
As an ox trampled under foot a man that bad fieJlen from a tree.
5129. u^ff^^u utfiih injT/i^ j^tf^SQeo ^(L^u^.
The fruit of a tree will fall at its foot.
5130. u^jr^€9ifl ^Sso «/r<i(gLt> iniresrfiein^u uasrih ^ifi(^ih.
Leaves cover a tree, money covers one's nakedness.
Can you obtain musk from a pcdecat ?
5132. Uijnh flmhsr OeuiLQSpeu^im^m iSifiSO Osifr(Si(^ih,
The tree affords shade to the man who is flailing it
■ 11
5133. LDjrii} QekitL(SlQp€u^i(y^ iSjfi^^Ui, ubckr (o^ireiaTQSp^Sfi*^
The tree affords shade to him trho fells it, the earth Buppo^ ^
who digs it.
J
TAMIL PROVlSRfiS. 481
5134. iLffui ^fBii €9)ff dSiLt^eu^ih^ su.eit euiraSi su,€k QdsrrSl/ifi
He who let go his hold after climbing a tree> and he who borrowed
money to lend| came to grief.
5135. iLwu^ €Si€U^fi€U&ir flosresiSir eutrnruufr&a'^
He who planted the tree will water it^
5136. mSiiuir^nfi ^eosoirflirelsr inSmtn jfflQyar,
He who was not respectful lost his reputation «
5137. u^Situireir ^i^fi^esrtjQ ^IHiuirijuQuir^^^
Mary's domestic life has come to an end.
5138. u)(36W(r£-6W6ir adfr^pi^^ ^(56wrL-0^«u«\)/rii Qutu^
To a gloomy eye all obscure things are demons.
5159. UiQ^fiJ^ Uifr6^i^6F <Ftf9«ffl358r^ ihL^iim/ri (^^Gntri^i^ ^aji
A sign to a fleet horse, wkipping to an obstinate one.
Medicine one fourth, common sense three fourths.
5141. iLQ^/B^th €fl(j5/B^/i g/DsJr^ f^rrefT,
Three days for testing a medicine, and for a feast.
»142. UiQ^mQ^ ^ii9^th gS^/bCJ^/t® jL^eaar.
Though the quantity be little, like medicine, distribute before
eating it.
•143. thQ^LH^^sQ^eirj^ ^aniL^/setf)^ u^m^i(^ ^tLQ euiQ^ erSih
<S5fremnh,
tt is said that what she cooked for her son-in-law she gave to her
son, and was distressed about it.
Like remembering, when httogry, the food of the marriage feast.
31
482 '-llfi.Q^'^lfi*.
5145. LD^tf.iQ^^ 0^i{l(LfLL/r.t9eiTSetr.^uJu Qupp.^g^Gninf
Does the barren woman understand the pain? of parturition ?
5146. LDS\)[^ ^^eutreniT iSien^^q^esiw?
Does the barren woman know ihe endearments of children 1
5147. u^^t^emiuu i9Qir2sfr Oup^ Q^irm^e\) Quj^eurrerrfr ?
If the barren woman be asked to bring forth a child, will she do so !
5148. LL€\jfiffo insmQpu^, €r^sifle\) ^essrQGmu^LD^ jL.L_.6fl*i> fi-fl9ji
All pervading, like fragrance, in a ,floi;v;er, oil in sesamum seed, and
life in the body.
5149. UieQi^ iJawrc-LQ «CDi-.a9(?6V euQ^ih,
When commodities are abundant^ they come to market/
5150: ^Sa) ^^^Skw s^eufrLSd5(^^ .^Ssar ^jk^^ lj^uld.
A flower, as small as a millet-se^d, is dedicated to an idol as large
as a mountain.
serrrr ?
Do they dedicate flowers as large as moui^itains, to idols as large tf
mountains ?
5152. LD&) ^€V<i(5B/rg)eu ^n^u.^pjih cruJa/zreir.
If a mountain be. the target, even a blind man may shoot.
5153. "iSso ^^^u9e\) 4Bffu (cjpjpi^eo ^S^,
It is difficult to roll a stone to the top , of , a hill.,
5154. ^Ssv) (offS^^Ld €tr)Lo^j^ssr2s9r^ es)^ eQi^rrQ^^
Though you ascend the mouijitains^ do npt leave, behind your
brother-in-law, or the son of your maternal nncle.
5155. W^^Q^^ (ipL-€U^-i(^.6U(7^LLn' ?
Will mountain honey come to the lapaeman f
TAMIL PRaVBBBS, 483'
5156. ^^ Q/6S0€9'is/nLji(^ih *l-.6U> tL.LJLfi(^ih fe./pa/ Q^iu^snir
Who created' the affinity between the mouatain nelli^ fruit, and ;
sea-salt ?
5157. £/)35o(?Ly/revu i9^iriD€S9r€ir (ouirS(ffQ)U)j i9&fr(s^(BiBi(^\ ^QpQ
It is said that when .a brahman-who was equal to a. mountain was ;
djing, his wife was .weeping for his tuft of hair.
5158. u^^Quire^ edi^Q^&^eaiTLL u^ssBQufre)- /f s/^lo.
All that has come upon thee like mountains, shall pass away as dew/.
5159. t^Sfeo QpififEjSl^ s^esstQi^eQ Qupp^Quireo^
As a mountain amidst thunder brought -forth a mouse .^
Can the' wild hog rush on ih^se-who are on the mountain top T '
5161. LD3soa9ei> eSSstri^fr^ih ^jreQsd LD©aj(?si/«wr3ii.
Although produced on the mountains^ the rice must be prepared!
for use in a mortar.
^^^^^^"^^^^p^* -
5162.. ldSsOinpUJ i/i«»r^)fi7«il/^i ^Si'pduiT^y ,u^0ist^){ija,iLt^. cruutf.
When a mountain bacomes a sod,' whiai -will the sod be like ?
5163. ui2soQiu> GO(Lp/B^fr^tJD /s^BoCSiu flfTiB.%QiSueisr^ia,
Should a mountain fall, the head jnuat bear it.
' — — ^* I.I
Like excavating a mountain ^eind catching a rat.' .
After having chased and beiten him round a mountain, will it be -
difficult to do so round a bush f
5.166, LD2s065)tL/^ J5/S£Yr<i<5B<^ &pjpl€tf\ QufTfilTfllT ? /
Is not a small chisel sufficient to perforate a rock ?
484 utfiQiLfTifi.
5167, u>2so&f>uj/i ^2sfris eufr&^S s-erf) euis^fr/bQufrei),
As if an adze and chisel came to perforate the rock.
5168. U^Se\)SS)UJU UlTFT^^ /SfTOJ Q^SsO^^ITed L0%0<S^'9 QmQu.IT Kiriik
g« QsQl^it f
If a dog bark at a mountain, will the mountain be injured or the
dog!
A rock supports a rock, can a sod do so ?
5170. i^iso eQQ^iiS j^LOGDii^iuirni^^(^i mfi^ ^i^i^friEiStu/r ?
Will a door be a difficulty tb my aunt who has swallowed*
mountain !
Is a sod used as a ^huthey, to swallow a mountain ^
« ■ _ _
5172. Uie\)s\)frisj^ s-iStfii^frev mirirQinQeo,
When one spits lying on his back, the spittle will fall on tis breast.
Silence may defy a mountain.
5174. ^^ ^L^u ueu ^uSp^.
u) being elided, u has appeared.
5175. LDsnip^mfreo ^Q^tLi^ir^^ia ld/b^ Q&iru^Lf ^ffii^ uiru^i^^-
Even in the darkness of the rainy season, will a monkey ^^^
leaping, miss the branch f
5176. LD65)/p<i(5;i ^«wr63ai?/f Qmn-essr® euirHruueuir ^nr ?.
Who draws and pours water into the clouds !
5177. LO€iDifiS(^u UL^6\) aiLi^a" iP/rir^^eofTtXifr ?
Can you put up a hurdle to keep out the rain f
51 78. LD€v>ifiiQs/r uL^eHy ^i^&Qmir l/i— 6U ?
Is the hurdle to keep out rain, or the thunderbolt f
TAMIL PBOVSBBS. 48o
5179. UiGDtfi Quiu^ t8s9>pujirfl^ QkorremS euirn'^ja^irio' fdetDpiLju^ir ?
Can that be filled with a watering pot which cannot be filled by
the rain T
5180. u^esiLfi Qf^sih ear^^ uuB^ih, fi^trii Qp^iLb mir^fi i9Gn:h(iu^Lo^
Vegetation without ndn, a child without a mothejT.
Even Mahaddva does not know when it will rain, nor when a child
will be born.
5182. iAfiD£p €a9xl®Lb ^euir^anh gSl-. ^^&o.
Though the rain has ceased, the drizzling has not.
5183. inpmff ML.e9}i^€9}Ui LbiM(efr^i(^tjb ^mir^.
An article forgotten is not good even for one's children.
5184. tnpm^ Q^^Q^ek iSfffressr^ euir er^qyio €U(mL£irr ?
If one say, I died through forgetfulness, will life return ?
)i85* i£>69r<Z<S<5F-(9 ^p LOfr€S)IU /5/r(?£_6V.
Seek not empty pleasures to purify the heart.
)186. u:i€9ri <s6i/%o ueods (^€9)pe^.
Mental anxiety will diminish one's strength.
187. u^esT s' €F iTtLS (^pjpi/(Sui€t) ihj^^/tlLS Qeuessn^rrui,
If the conscience condemn, other evidence is unnecessary.
188. mear^Qe^a ugds e^^tLif^(S€\) ^^peij.
Enmity at heart, friendship on the lips.
189. mesr^eo ^(Tj^^^ii jr^&iULb LcQ(S^L^^6i(^ a//r<iffl(?6V,
A secret that should be concealed in the mind is uttered by a fool.
190. u^esr^Qpc^ tuesrCofi ^rriL&y u^pp^pr^^ Q^iueuih ^itlLS,
The heart is its own witness, God is the witness of the rest.
L91. mssr^ ^/Siuiru Qurrdj fi^essn^rr ?
Can a mind be ignorant of its own falsehood !
M I
5192. LCiGfT^jpiuir ^pCSQt^^ ^m<^Q^uth aLp(S'(^ik,
fie who ufcters prayers daily Ihls no anxiety of minS.
5193. tL68TLb Qs/TGifrL^^ LDireSes^s,
Xhat which is agreeable to the mind is a palace.
5194. LDSi^th ^QtLirQpsv.
Be not confused.
'5195. LuesTLD ^0iijfiu^ ^pjy eaein^ ^pjjifu^Surr&Jireir,
Although willing he will lack means.
•5196. LL<stjflflir air^pitb QufTQp^ LDa^ewii., ^fftrflQuirQ£i.^€\) t-^ifl
Silent in the presenc&^of mw, Ia their absence a beaded cat.
• 5197. Lb^;^^ tjbpuuir^y (mGnpu®€kiir&ir ^ wrrj^eutr&fTy Quirsuira,
Man ibrgets, is reduoecl in oircumstances, changes and vanishes.
fie can transform a nmn's head into the head of a deer, ind i^
can make a man's head out of a deer^s h>ead.
'51^9. taSsifnufrerr eQi^ttKip^ <sr(i£m^ effiL(Slu ueisr Q^ujeuir&r,
A wife gets i^p before day-t^^eak azMl looks after her dontfi^
affairs.
5200. u^Satnurr^i^ ^-pp^ ^^j[uld Q^iri^e^iQ^mrt^frLDy mfp'S
>Do not disclose your secrets to your wife, nor trust an enemy *^
any time,
5201. loQq) e9i\un^6»(^ ibQ^is^ ^^mrL^ir ?
Is there any remedy for mental sickness T
202. LDmesreuiTdBGn' Qs=^^frirmefT^ Loi^Sseir Q^^j^/rirm€tf Qp^ %i
Kings have perished, their prime ministers have perished, and »«
who lived before, are dead.
r
TAMIL PROVERBS. 487
5203. ihek&sreuirsen' ^eifru.^ isr€\)€i)irLD tni^Ss&r ^mretnm.
The govermnent of kii^ depends on the vigor of their councillors.
5204. £X)68r65r6W/f<«^ '^[fi(S 0<^«/(?«/r6ir Qfimp€inii>,
A sceptre of justice is the beauty of a king.
As is the flour so is the gruel.
5206. lo/r c_6wrL_/r(g)«i) UGScH^irjrui «»L-.€y/ra),
If there be flour, cakes may be baked.
5207. u^T <^p ih2so ^jyti.
The accretion of a particle to a mountain increases itJ3 size.
5208. Lo/r® ^(i^ui9€sr(Ski&sr ^nr^^aresreisr.
He who drove back the cows was ArjUn'a.
5209. LDfrQ ^da'saBd5(yj €UfrS(^^ Sr^^th ^^essri—fr ?
Is a beef-eater accustomed to deceit words f
5210, u^iT® QpiSieujr efi*® iBiQeuq^LD,
When cows return fatigued the household will sufier want.
5211. Uiir(Si (oLDiLjisfrLDp 0«i1l_^, uu3ir urriri^iTu^p QdsiLt^^,
Without pasture cows die; withotit care vegetation perishes.
5212, LbfTLLt^eir euirtfiietna QpLLetnL^u9(o€\>,
A bull's term of existence is ih his sack.
A cow is otherwise called a large he*goat.
488 uifiQu>irifi.
It will not allow the cow ix> he content in its pasture^ nor a man
with his boiled rice.
5215. LDiriLeni-. QmiufB^rr^iib (SdirrSeou (Su/rtLt^fr^ih,
It is said that he tended the cows and threw away the goad.
5216. u^iTssf^iM ds,T^i(^ iLiTpj^imfrio ^Q^iSp^
There is a spare leg, for the one made of a ruby.
5217. mir/stjy ^fr^sui^ ubir^s^ ^etrasr^eurreir.
He will leap lilce a deer, ten miles in a month.
5218* LLfffBir O^ijfi^ LO««(6)5<fiB^.
The faults of a mother are visited on her children.
5219< iMfTfBiT Lbesfua erfiuj eufripiTetr fftQ^ mir^ih.
Whilst her mother's heart is wounded, she will not prosper even for
a day.
5220. mfr^^ssyir ^uu iB^^jSfrev, Qs/r^^irih ssupuuQih.,
If one exceed his limit, his ancestry will be exposed.
5221. LOfTu LfeifliSp^ eT€\)evinh ueaafis/rjr^^i^ me^ih.
The more the flour is leavened the better for the cakes.
5222. ioiru Quirelfr ^(m^^ m^s^etr^F ^/reui OdSfr®Lj(Su^ ?
Whilst I possess a particle of gold, will I allow my children to die .
5223. LD^ Lopi^ 6&.(ij)«(5 p-uLj g>0 Q^L^rr ?
Does the absence of salt spoil gruel made without flour !
■••-••i
5224. LDfTiS ^iLtf-^^LD urrdesr ^lLl^it^,
Though a raother-in-law maybe reconciled, the broken pieces oi
earthen pot cannot be reuuited.
TAMIL PBOYSBBS. 489
5225. inirLSujiriir cczdl. (^2eo/B/i6freo eairiuir^LL Q^freOeoi^k^i^rr^,
If the dress of a mother-in-law be out of order, it mast not be
spoken of, or pointed at by the hand.
5226. u^fTiQiufTir s_69)L.^^/r6V LDeifr6S€\)u>, iD^u^serr tt-GSiU-^^nri^
If broken by the mother-in-law it is an earthen vessel, if by the
daughter-in-law, it is a golden vessel.
5227. u^irtSujrreiDirs ««Hr® iHQ^unds&ir iBfr^pfSp^Quirev,
As the son-in-law is embarrassed in the presence of his mother-
in-law.
5228. u^TLSujfrnr Q^^fs ^(yib iDir/^ih iMQ^u^^efr sessressfis^ aoifr^ir
It is said that six months after the death of the mother-in-law, a
tear came into the eye of the daughter-in-law.
5229. u^iTLSiufrir Q^^jp u^Q^LDSterr ^(L^Sp^Qurrei),
Like the wailing of a daughter-in-law, on account of the death of
her motber-iii-law.
Will my mother-in-law never die, will my sorrows never end I
1231. inmBiurrir off*® Lbsir Q<9'6rrdB@ujui,
The house of the mother-in-law is very comfortable.
•232. LDfTujdsfrjrir erevei)irub ufr^air^ LDrrjp/uirtLQisfrjrir ersveo/rti <F/r^
All impostors are perfidious villains, all double-dealers are practi-
cally so.
233, u^fTojissirirGsr QuuSp ^Gs^i^Qm,
A hypocrite is worse than a demon.
234. LD/rrf) «^6vevjs/ ^frflajLD ^^Ssv).
Without rain nothing can be effected.
490 u ifiQu^iT L0.
o235. LD/r/ff ^irso^^eo u^ixr 's$o Qu^itq^lo^ QsfrenL^ mtrs^^^ii jij
Ten kalams of buttermilk in the wet season, are worth one measure
of water in the hot season.
5236. i^rnr ^i^^fi «L6fl LDtfL(ouyQe\y.
The hire for beating iAeir breasts is at onciB on the lap.
5237. LDfTirLf if'ifli^frev euiBjpi ^irijs (SeuemQih,
If the breasts be pendent, they must be supported by the stonwi
5238 Uifnrenu/i ^ii>i^ itiesr^Qeo «F>6i/.
Touch your breast, and keep it in your mind.
In the evening a crow bathes before it goes to its nest, and will
not admit a stranger.
Many Natives at^tiHbute to the crow JiFe peculiarities of wbkk
that indicated in this proverb is one. The pecuIiaritieSi or habiti
are as follows : — {a} GroiDg forth very early of a morning. 6) Ne**
being seen to pair, ^c^ Eating together. ({/.Bathing before goiflf
to their uest. ^e) Warning their companious of appareui dangtf*
For a girl to be bom with a garland round her neck is omiw^
to her maternal uncle.
This li^rrSM may be either the naTel-string or a thin membnDeiv*
corers the head, and which^ sometimes deeends hke a ring, to tke
neck, it is then called cx/rSst, if otherwise <y^Mfip\^ a veil.
5241. "i/^Sso s^piSu Spk^ i9erTSeir u^mnsui^^ ^«/r^.
If a child be born with its navel string round its neck, it is omiBOO*
to its uncle.
5212. LutreQ^tD ^iLi—eoirui mtna^/ruQ^ih g^Llt— eu/rii.
A share in the dough, a share in the mangos.
TATSttL I^ROVJRBS. 491
5243. iLfrsiji(^ ^<S'i^ UGfdHsswjTih,
CftkeB proportioned to tlie flour.
5244. LLir^eu/i ^ekQ^io ^uuth ^cuSso,
If yoa eat the dough yoa will not get ydur share e/cake.
5245, mrr/b/^KSev €u2istreiJj0 itijr^Q(Se\) euSsfriLfLbr ?
Will the tree be pliable because the sapling was so *
•5246. ii^fp(fjf^i(Q ^L^^ Q^frQi^eo,
#Yidd not to a foe.
The «ye is on the heavens, the mind is on the bridegroom.
5248. mrresr^esifB effsveu/riu euf/oiLJUireisr messr^i ^suBqj^uu^ ^iBuUTiir,
He is able to bend the sky as a bow, and he can twist ropes of
sand.
•5249. lUTSSTLb ^l^u9€>i fiL//3/r ^friiil6\}fr '?
When honour is perishing, is life worth preservation T
i5250. u^rrssnii QufiQ^rr^ 9.&i&sr QufiQ^rr?
^ Is honour grea;t, or is life I
5251. tmr&^edLCi Q€Oenir^ flwiiQmek &T^^Qibfr ?
Does the spacioiois earth refuse to uphold any one ?
•5252, L£ifr^i(^ g>0 L/erretfl (qT/S er^€sr, (^€s>pfB^ er&r&sr ?
What matters it whether the deer has more or fewer spots ?
5253. LDir^pje^tuiii ^&)ediTfleiS€isT ld^ci^lj u^ir.
Among ^mankind one destitute of humanity is as chaff.
?5254. cnireSsr seasresS^ir^ ^!fi(S ^^^f^&^ eS^fnir^,
More beautiful than the eye of a deer, more rapid than its speed.
5555.. 'Cbrrek «LLli— ^^eu l/sS Ljt^iB^^Quireo^
As the tiger sprang on a herd of deer.
492 . u(pQu>ir^.
5256. ^(S)^ -^^^ ^^^ «6^i-/i.
The greater the inordinate desire, the greater the loss.
5257. lB(3^^8 e_ 677 err a/ £Q/<i (25 li eu^^Setfi^sfrjrsindr^ui U€s>35^ Qqj^s
Enmity exists between the wealthy and the hypocrite, and betweea
a religious man aud the world.
5258. lS(^IB^U^ ^GnpiB^lii (SfSfTIU OiS'UJlLllii,
Both, excess and want, lead to disease.
5259. iQesiauL^^ Q^freoQ€\)ev,
Do not exaggerate.
5260. iS^SesT^ Q^rreifrQ Qu^pQs Gurrsio ^^fr^.
It is not good for one to go westward carrying refuse.
5261. lS(^QuJ di(T^Uith J^^^dP Q^IUIL^LD,
A thing done through inadvertence may produce fear.
5262, iStp- ^^luiEjQsfTeifr iSetriri «^ O^iri—ir^
Be humble, and seek unfailing bliss.
5263. L8i^eif>LDu9s^th uif.€S)LD m&tfjpi/*
The habiliments of an ascetic are to be preferred before poverty.
The haughty sells his goods sitting.
5265« LS^^/*/r63)/r« St^lUfT^ UfTLOLf ^essTL^ir f
Are there any snakes that will not bite those who tread on ihem I
5266. LS(i^aiEj<3S6if}sd j^SsarQuiB^y ^^^Cb Sia^ih eue9^.
Among beasts an elephant is the biggest, and a lion the strongest
TAMIL PBOVISBBS. 493
5267, lS^is^ ^ffrrerr «fy£i>Ly j^&ruih Q^iuu^Cb. j^^Quire\)f jif/i
/sih i^etreireuirai^Gt^Lb ^mu^en^^ ^Q^euirnrsefr,
A shining arrow will occasion pain, in like manner, those who are
handsome in person may produce pain.
It is said that a barber who had nothing to do, shaved a cat.
5269. lS^iQsSlj^s'& QsusSsf^^^s^ ^Qj^efrQu/rQinrr ?
Does a fire fly dispel darkness ?
5270« LS&tresrSsouQuireo udvSso eBetrMfr^ih, iS^^Si Qstretreufr^nh
He who will not clean his teeth so as to shine like lightning, and
he who is fond of show, are chaff.
5271. iQ^^meo ^tf. eQQpu^ir ?
Does the thunder-bolt fall without prerious lightning ?
Does it rain without previous lightning I
)273. LSeir^uie\> Qpfpiasinjieo ^if. eQ(ipik^j^(2u/reo,
As a thunder-bolt fell without lightning and thunder.
All that glitters is not gold.
Lightning is always followed by rain.
276. iSsfru^ek ^evevrr Lajri^evih ^i^f^^.
An unpiloted vessel will not sail.
277. iS^^arsir eBQ^tJaQusv,
Be not gluttonous.
494 uifiQiJciirj^.
5278k iSi/^ ar9S9Tm^UimiUiLfib QtusQi^ grr^fr^nmnLfCn «osfi6i-«i'
The remain? of chunambu^aDcL an. enfeobledking, should not be
renounced.
5279. iSiofT iSar 69(ifihiS^p(oUfr€\>,
Like a fi^h swallowing a fish*
Are young fish taught to swim I
Kicjh. curry or honey curry ?
(If..
5282.; Qfi^i Q^ir€S8r^i(^i &gs8T^i^ U(nr^^fr6\) ^(f^mrr ?*
Will the distortion <rf the coupteuance be removed by looking into
a mirror I
5283; Qfi^^^i(^ Qp^Lb ^Gssr^)!^.
One face is a mirror to ano^A/er face^
If a woman elope with her husband's elder brother out of personals
regard for him, it-will be a disgrace to the whole family.
52.8^5. Qp^LL ^ssir^(r^i^frev.a€98r^^t^ ermesr Q^FOJiLiLa ?.
If the fHce be ugly, what can the mirror do?
5286. (ip^u^ .^i^jr i9LLULOy .^«£i u/riitSeir cfib-^/i.
A ffiuse likie the moon, a mind of deadly poison.
5287. QfiisiriLQd^^ ^Qp^irunr P
What ! a. dagger under a veil f
5288. Qfi^^iT iL(da^etTQ &r Gn^MrrLLL^rr ?
What, is it to make signs under a veil!
TAMIL PQQVEBBS. ido
Though carried, thirty miles, a bare id carried in the h(^nd.
5290. (y>««/r6U£i tf/r<sm Q^Q^Sd (^^^flT^ia Qstri(^ -^'*''\^.
Though a crow bathe three times a day, it will not thereby become
a white crane*
T^
Will a crow by bathing three times a day become a,cra^e ?
5292. Qpi6n.LL(Si^ &3i(m ^(ttf^,
A.triparty business is always involved.
I^kea dog crouching after starting a hare.
5294* QfyL^uLjev Qpiseo. i^fitDfr^.^Qdj^LD,
Crooked grass prevents the flow of six kfilams of water.
)29S, (Lpu^6u^i(^ Q/$fres9rt^.^€iisr,u.ui9jr<3F^L^^,
A lame man is^^ery boisterous .before a cripple .
)2-96; Qpt^eusk QsirCoLf^ Q^^i(^. ^ssi^uuLLL^j^^Sufr^v,
As n laijoe man longed fpr the -honey* that hupg from a branch.
'^97'. QpL^eam' &'/BGs>^d(mu (Sufr^pQurr^^
Like, a lame^nian going to jnarket.
H[e who doQS not accomplish his object lacks training.
2:99, Qpep-^^u QtUrrssr^m ^soeorribe^ ^eS^^eiirrdjuuL-L-Q^LD
You have not only lost^ the bundle of money, but al^so incurred a
reproachful name. .
If you plant bundles, will heaps be produced ?
4&6 uifiOiLfrifi.
Never undertake a matter without due consideration as to how it
is to be accomplished.
5302. GP^ €v>6u^^ jas2soi(S^ arLfisr^^iM u/ririSp^, QsfTm® Qm
(Su3rSp^(Suireo g)0<i®/D^.
Examining the circlets of hair in a crowned head, is like discuss-
ing the tribe of a girl after marrying her.
5303. QptLL, /52b»r/5^Q/^«(5 ffjrth ^eoSso, Qfi(ig^i^ QaiLi^eus^i
When completely drenched one does not feel wet, when entirely
ruined one feels no sorrow.
5304. QpiLu.Qirin^!Tt^^ ibiLlj^ m^iisirSm siLesii^ Mit£-/rzjnu «m
Friendship with the rude is like the foot of a travelkr among
stumps of ebony.
5305. Qpt^i-PP QuGk^pii(^ ^jnL€9>u.u uifitutLirf
What double dower to a worthless woman I
5306. Qfii^i^fr(cr^ai(^a, ^jreisrQ ^sir.
Two persons for one fool.
5307. Qpt^L-'^&^(S^ Qsiuih ^^S^QmOeo,
The wrath of a fool is on his nose.
Even those who Uke a pair of pincers uphold their dependanU ^
daily feed them, will leave them like a pair of longs.
5309. Qfi'^'9- Mffi^^-*^ ^GiTjrn Q^^hk '^mjpi.
A calf that drains the udder is almost weaned,
5310. QptLQ>s(^ QpiLi-6oeo Qpi-i a^e^us jy60«tf> a=9iteS^«i*»'
It IB neither an obstruction, iior a door to shut, nor even 8 saeeB
to the temple gate-way.
^AMIL PROVERBS. 497
5311. QpiLQuuiLQih O^tuih miQF^u^tr^io r^iLQuuiLu^irp (^9s>p
erGtresf f
If victory comes ^y being pressed with vftiat, what matters a cuff
on the he^ !
■*-"■ •"• - '■"•
i53l2. Officio ^Q^jpd^ 0<FtfU6ffi-/r(?^^
Do not spend on your capital.
5313. Qp^eQCSev QeBtLi^i^trjrm Qpt^eSlQeo Q&iru^OvjS,
Clever at the beginning, indolent at the end.
5314. QP^S^^Q) (SLnir^LDirs ^(^^Sslp^ ^ei>rru^ffi3S(^^ ^emGnL^
' Quir(SlSp/5w?
When the principal is in danger, do you quafrel a%out the interest T
'5315. Qp/sCSeo ^nruu^ jy^(?tfv sffui^eaii^
Akeady weak, and withal pregnant.
mmmalm
A crocodile cares not whether the water is deep or shallow.
5317. Qp/sSso ^m ^i—^jp, toSso j^^A ^SsijrlsjDiLfiL/ii) ^(ip^^^ O^eo
In his own element, the alligator will carry off an elephant as big as
a mountain.
5318. Qfifi^ CS>6li^^u QuQ^^^fT^ ^€SsP^i^iru(oUtr€0,
Like merchants ^ho do not increase the capital they invest.
^•Mita
i82so ^e\)&o,
iThose who have no capital have no gain, those ^ho have no sons to
lean on, have no support.
5320. Qpfseo ^e\)ei)nr/r<i^ ^OL^tuth ^ffuSso.
Those not possessed of capital, have no gains.
53Bl, Qpflso €r®d(^ihCSufr(S^ fBuuiLGSiL^isirjr^ Q^^^ir&ir,
When the funeral procession was moving forward, the tomtom
beater died.
S2
49^ U'lpQuyir i^,
5322. Qpfl^ €TQ£^^lQ€\) QeuenQ<5rr(Lp^^ ?'
What, dim-sighted. at the beginning of the Alphabet I
5323. (^i^p Q^n-Gme^.Q^p^yu^ Qm!r6me>),
If crooked at fisii), it wU be so throughQut.
5324. (Lp^S(S€V LfGssr iL.€ssru.ir^eo 0<5f^u9(?6v •^QfyLfiOJu uiuld,
If one ha^ a wou^d.on his back, he will fear to pass Under a
A snail is precious by reason of its pearl, fdols have naught where-
with to attain greatness^
Flaws may. bo found in pearkand also in coral.,
5327. (ipfB^ <5iJ/B^ Q^eQ^niuu i3^i^ m/s^ OsBfrLOLj^Uhssyp^^^nisi,
It is said that the ears which cam^ first, were sbvered by th^ bona
which .sprung up a;(terwardsK
The fii:st shall be last, and the last first.
Ill- » II" I
If the first food be rejected, worse may be offered.
5330^ QpfB/sfTi^ sp^Qp u3i-eiifr^^Lri ^pumuu l9(Sl.lEl(^SjP ^*
Though a cow yields three naeasuies of milk, it as n^t^ desirahle if
it pulls down the roof.
5331. QpuiJ^Qiod Qpiri^LD, j5rrpu^(Se\) iBir^ufsLcii,
Obstinacy at thirty> civdli ty> at forty.-
5382. Qpuu^ U€ssTUiQmff(Bt^^T^uiQpeAuuiLt^ihQu!r9ffji.
Though .one may give thiii>yfama^8, the. nickname, crop-eared, ^i
not be removed.
TAKIL PROVERBS. 4&9
5S33. Qfiuu^Qco euiryi/6;96U(sk g^L-cir, Qp^fr^^jih i9Gsr^La Q/itiflujfr^
He is a fool who prospered at thirty, he is blind who does not see
before and behind.
5334. (tfiuuesS ®i^^ QuGssr^^esr^m Qsitulj ^^^flir^sr (j9^€9>pi
To the woman adorned with three jewels, the ear ornament is the
only want.
5535. Qpuu^ GUQ^e^iii euir^i^eu^ih ^eo2so, Qpuu^ o^^ajjizi
None ever continued to prosper or decay for thirty years.
5336. QpuQufrQKefr m^ g/pfi\)LD/r«W6i/6ir.
' He is the triad who is the first and the last of alii
5337. (TfiUJfbS e_«ni-.»iJ/r/r ^dsip^Q ^&s)L^[uiTir^
The industrious will never be put to shame.
A stubborn wif(^^ a mat rolled up.
What if .the murukku tree grow- large, will it do for a pillar I
'340, QpQ^iBGnsdsmu (sr&TQr^^ u^Slujih QpfSiLfUbir ?
Will the mention of the mm-ungg,! fruit affect a prescribed diet T
The one that nursed and brought up the child is M6d^vi, the wife
is Shrid^vi.
342. Qji2eo^ (^^^^ ^€u2sou i96ifr^dS(^^' Q^sfiiLfinfr P
»
Is the pain in the breast of the nurse, known to the suekling ?
J43, (iptfiikiensa9p ulLl, »asth(Sufr€o. ^ >
Like the pleasure experienced, when the elbow is struck.
500 uifiQuifrifi.
5344. (tpQ^Si Qpuu^ mirefTir^'Sr., ^paS clijl/ jyeJreyriaLZ- g)«&)
erekS(ry&fr,
It is thirty dajs since he bathed, aod he says that he is so clean
that touching salt would deiile hitn.
5345. QPQg^ ^lLc^ QuujiriSp u&ir/6lA(^d Qsurq^m siLi^ eQtLi-^
ft
Like armiog a hog in the snout with a ploughshare, that can tare up
the ground without it.
5346. QPOf"^ Q^/rihQufil QpeiTdSfj^ s-etretr (S^eQ,
A perfect sluggard is like a hedge of thorns.
5347. QpQ^u umi^isrrjresjti^^ Qp/B^iBu uiif^i^irireisr iSessru^^,
He whose share is only one three hundred and twentieth part, is
more persistent than he who has a whole one.
5848. npapu Li<F6w0««/r6?Daj^ Qs'irp/iSCSeo u^enpiSQyuQuir^o,
Like attempting to conceal a whole pumpkin in a plate of rice.
5349. QPQ^ iLGsSu Li^)d^(^Lj y^Gsst (SeuGSffQCSuifr ?
Does a gemmed ferrule require an ornamental rim T
5350. (ipSsfT^^ LbvSir ^&rjpj ^^^ih ^jrestn® Lj(LpQeutL(d.
Bis beard consists of three hairs, of which two are rotten iIh*
root.
5351. (Ip2en4i9i9\> Q&rmir^&fifi QppfS^eo Qsin^lf^QsirmT® Oil-^
That which was not nipped in the bud will have to be felled witi
an axe when matured.
5352. QpeifrenirCSev Qpen^ erQm^QGjfisrQtii,
Thorns are extracted by thorns.
5353. (ifi&r(^i(^s ok^irenLCiiLnh ^en&i(^ suir^issru^td ^lupw^.
By nature the thorn is sharp, and the tulasi fragrant.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 801
5354. (3p67r(25«g Qp^ssr &eQ eSKBeuirnr^errrr ?
Who starpens the point of a thorn ?
53-55. (ip&r(6i^(oLD€\) ffdeo QuinLi^fr€^ Qubeirm Qibetrstr entrii^Qsue^
Qth,
If a cloth be spread on a thorn bush^ it m\ist be taken off with great
care.
53.36. Qfip^^if- ULLt^ir^th Qpm^^t^ UL^€\)a ani^.
Though one may endure being struck with a sieve, he cannoi
endure being brow-beaten.
5357, Qfipuseo Q^iuu9p i9puseo eBSstnLjih,
What is done in the forenoon will result in ffood or €vil in thA
afternoon.
5358. Qp/b^iii /B^jari^euir^;ef^S(^ FFjrih ^^ ?
Do those who are drenched complain of being wet I
5359. Qp^(Lp3i^^ i8eo(Seo6\),
Do not stand in the face of a battle.
5360. CfP^ jferri^ iBirifi iS&ir jfetrd(^LD^
The same measure that was used before, must be used afterwards.
)S61. npeir ^eirjpf ^^Qu tSeir ^&frj)/ ^(Sl^cv,
Do not say one thing and do another.
•362. Qpeir 69)(S Seikfrt^frso (tptfitaons iS(S{^u^,
If the fore-arm be stretched, the elbow will be so alsov
363. (ip^ QsiruLd i9m ^jrd^th.
Anger first, and pity afterwards.
364. Qp&fr eQiLQu i9eir iS&srjpi ^(j^f^^ ^juimeotrubfr ?
Having given one the lead, will you follow and cut his throat f
365. QpdresreuQar QpAr iSim(ffeo Qptf^ujir^ QuirnReir 9^&rQfiir?
If the eternal be with you, will anything be impossible ?
502 uifiQLDfrifi,
Biting before, and kicking behind.
^67. QpmQ^sr uirfr iB&srQesr utrir s-ekSssru uirtr erekSssru uffk.
Look before, look behind, look at yourself, look at me.
■5368. (LpeirQesr Quir^eo &&reu^^ i9e5rQesr Qufr^so i9iriL^^.
When you ge before you are guilty of infanticide, when you foBof
you are guilty of brahmaDicide«
5369. (ip^QesrjrLD suu/b^frjresr iSmQ&srjnii i9<i=€S)^i9nrffar,
In the forenoon a ship owner, in the afternoon a beggar.
5370. QpekCoGsr eufbjs suresi^uuirirkSie^LL iBmQ&sf eum^SB Qsiru^m
The horn that came after, is stronger than the ear that camsbcfoitl
5371. (^«i®sfl«(g« «6wr{g3)^ afTLLi^esr^Qufreo,
Like showing a noseless man a mirror.
5372. Qp<fBS0nfiDuj^i(^ eurrtpsesy^uuLLL^frs)) np&r^ih QufrseBi^f^
If a woman is married to one whose nose is rent^ he will not alk'^
her to go before or after him.
5373. Qfi^(^ ^^uiLl^ s(i^(ots)^ j^a/zrear^^^^ ^^^t^^.
A crop-nosed ass does not fear driving rain.
5374. ^<3S(^LJ LiGssT(^<s)?l ^soG^QeiKT ^irs=ifl j^sCSeuesorQiii ?
A man with a sore nose ought to become a Yaishnava mendicant,
ought he not!
The pain will be felt as keenly as when the hair in the nose »*
plucked out. ...
iTAiltL 1* KdVBBBS. 503
5S7G. (ifii(^ Lou9ir iSS/s/fflg)^ ^il urjTih (^^sypiLjLbfr ?
Will a person's weight be dirainiflhed by pulling the-hair out of his
nose I I
5377. ptpiGS)^u i9i^^^rre\) ^euek QuirQp^,
If the nostrils be closed, life will depart.
5378. ftpiemsu t9if-^^frs)) eurrij ^ QeiiAf&f^ Opwiuirj^ p
He knows not how to open his mouth when one clones his nostrils I
5379. (tpiiSp LJir\LjLCi (tfipiLQu Qu€mL,(fiL(f.tLfiJO^
A bamboo mat, and an obstinate wife.
5380. QpiaSeo ^SsoCofXiCpcu ^tki<^ ugsB jSQ'jt.
Thou art a dew drop depending from the leaf of a bamboo.
5381. (tpu-CSFirQ Mif^iu ibiLlj^b ^(BsuiSSp siLe^t^ ^mi^fri^iu Afrio ,
The friendship of fools is as the feet that have travelled hy a jungle
path covered with stumps of trees.
■^^^^«-
5382. ^L-/r QpmLj ^rrisih (Su^'irQfi,
Speak not harshly before fools.
5383. Qpi^/T'SBefr Q^Hrissy^iurre^ ^LjunrLD6\) 0<%(Si^ eu(f^LD,
The companionship of fools invariably leads to loss.
5384. Qpf—^ «Ll1® ft_/DQ/ Qp(ip^th ^uirtuUi,
Danger attends the friendship of fools.
Ill " mi^mmj^^m
One always sustains loss if he has a stupid child.
Adversity and disgrace fonn the lot of foals.
5387, QpL^^ «F6wr6»)t_ ^iLQu f3Si(^uy^ QinfTirisL—ck ^lLc^l^^
The quarreling of fools will bfe^ik friendship, debt on account of
buttermilk will affect one's house.
504 u tfiQ ihir ifi.
5385. Qfii^esf^ Qp^M Qp^Jpi (o^fTSih Qujp/th, ^i^irfl Qpp^^ Qpim
A pearl concealed is worth the three worlds, one that is uncovered
wont fetch three (Quarters of a cash.
5386. (i^Ll6B)i-«(5/r^^gp/«^ QptptastreStQco lj^^. I
A porter's sense ia in his knees.
5390, ^^^31 Qu^iresiifi ^'SsfTiu^ ssirSeir,
The first4)om is a hornless animal, the younger is a bull.
5391. Qfi^CSjsirir O^treo euirk^esifi ^lElirfiUi.
The^ utterances of elderly persons are ambrosia*
Tlie charitably disposed exert themselves even id old age^
^•^mmm^m,^,^
Why does one grow eld ? it is a sign that he is under the influenoft
of the goddess of misfortune.
5394. ^/f«4B,gj2/ii (yxflSeotLjih <F/f?.
The stubborn aoid crocodiles are alike^
5395. (tfiJTMeir Qps^^e\) nj^Q^eO- (5^ ^q^ujreir.
The goddess of misfortune dweUsv in the face of the stubborn.
oj/rcJr,
He who associates with the angry will not prosper, and he wbo
associates, with fools will not learn.
5397. ^/r««£i ceirerr fftr^ire^uy (ui^ LDm^iftiLjiii ^L^eutrnrsstr,
A king that is easily provdced, and a prime miniater wanting difr
cretion, will come to ruin.
5398. g^/r<i«(?^/r® ^emiEiQsei),
Associate not with the angry.
TAMIL PHOVEEBS. 505
5399. (tfisOsms ^jSiflrso (tpGsr^ 9-€\)%cjfi^ ^crrio\)mh,
' He who is acquainted with botany may gorern the three woilds,
5400. (tp^dj^LD <ilLQ ^eBy^^fifreo Q^fiiLjih,
It will be clear if you loose the third knot.
5401. (y«r^ Qpjpapth ^n^ ^pjpiy Qpuujp aptpaptii ^rt^ ^PM>i,
A cloth of thirty cubits is put on with as much ease as one of three
cubits.
5402- ^9Stjpi eG*iL(Si(^ QpidSfreQ mir^ oB^iLQ^t^ iBtrp^ireQ,
A three legged seat to' three houses, and four legged seat, to four
houses.
LDfrQ, 6^(7^a/68r Quir^eo ujrQjsQ,
Three may help one another on the way, two are like a yoke of
oxen, one is like a pilgrim.
Secure the three things virtue, wealth and happiness, they will
serve as a staff in old age.
5405. (tpeirCSp Qp^aireo iBiTL^Gn^a(^efr Qp^^ metnip Quujjs^y eunifl
€r®A(mQpm(Sesr LneaanDirifl Qudj^^,
It rained pearls for three and three fourths of a niligai, but before
they could be gathered it rained earth.
5406. Qir^^^u ui^^fi€ki(j^i(^^ Q^trr^ Oewevevm,
To the profoundly learned rice is sugar.
)407. Qu^^^u ui^^^eu&sr ev)Uu9i^Sliui65[rjr&sr.
He who is very learned, is a fool.
i408. Old^/Su uifleurruy ^^mQen erifleiJ/nh,
Externally sympathising, internally envying.
506 aifiQipiTLfi.
5409. Ou^^OflssTu uQ^fie\) f8/i^aDfri(^ -Sy^(3.
A soft bed is favourable to sleep.
5-110. OmiLiQ^fremQ eBi^^iSp^ QufniiQs^irGkfr® OuiffiQp^,
Shining with truth, burning with lies.
»
Will he who cannot prosper by truth, prosper by falshood !
Honest occupation always secures substantial results,
5413. QwdjuQu/TQ^efT 6^&ieSlQtu e^auQug'Q^&r.
Learrjing is real wealth.
5414- Qlduj ^m(ffih i9i6^pj Qu^/riu y^irem s'i^jr&sr.
Truth is the crescent .of the third day, falsehood is the full moon.
5415. QlDUJ6S}LD iSFITpp €S)6UlULDi i^p^ih.
When you speak truth, the world will honour you.
5416. Qld(uili^ rsm/S ^Oii.
Truth is beneficial.
5417. OiDiuajfresr tS'^Qajm; (Sea^ekitT^meisr,
He is the truthful man who knows the vedas.
5418. QLdfuiLf&DLi: ^QT^euesr O^^ fri\)e\)iLffLLL-n e^iDiuweo QutrujQu^if^
(old QufriuQurr^LbCoLD,
Truth in one who cannot speak easily, may appear like falsehood.
5419. OLneSli/Seu^dSi^ Qm^^u Quevek^ QmsS lS^i}j<%(^ §j^^^
A lean woman is strong, a gaudy woman is consumptive.
5420. OLCi€V€\)U UiriLjiIi J5 etPJT &pIt IT AeU&OfiyLD (^i^lUU UlTtLfLd,
Gently flowing water will hollow even a rock.
5421. QLaeveQiurrCSL^frfffTQ&'ir^
Live with your wife.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 607
5422. OLDQ^SesT effiltfL.(Seo mmu Lf(^m<$^(pUireo,
As a dog entered a hoUse whose floor was smeared with cow-dung
Submit not to the haughty, and to the humble shew pity.
It is said that he is afraid, of the hill, and alarmed at the high
road.
5425. Qllujlj QutrQp lditQ Q65frijbt9\Se\) z^su2a)<i ^LLi^^Q^freirGl Quit
Qp^ir ?
Do cattle going to graze, carry grass tied to their horns ?
5426. (oLDUjSp infTL^siTiL^ fB^(^8p LDfr(S Q<35(S^^/rp(Su/re\),
As the cow that grazes is interrnpted by the one that licks it.
5427. (SuHuSp <fl5(T[^620^62D(U« 3f^0kjSp '^(LffGDfl Q^^^/tB^ITLD,
It is said that the braying ass interrupted the ass that was grazing.
5428. (Swaj6i(^ih (oLDiuuuSssr oSiL/^Qii eutriueir.
He who praises the cowherd.
5429. (Smdj^^freo emui^^esflefnuj (oloiuuQu^ ^i^€\iireQiLL^iTp ujr
If I am to rule I must rule over my sister-in-law, otherwise I shall
go on a jiilgrimage.
QuirQeu&sr,
I will tend the donkeys, or go on a pilgrimage.
508 utfiQiufT tfi.
He who marries a woman of great beauty will be ruined, he who
sows on hilly ground, will be impoverished.
5432. (?i/i3so<i(25 Guiryaien^uu^SiQp&si' ^(tp^Q^ SriMinrr ^(m,
I will marry some time hence ; be still till then, my neck.
5433. Qld^^(3^ ^^apeurriir 6h^(ipir^ ^(ipeurrir.
Those who plough late will cry for want of food.
5434. (SLDifid^ Q^€veuth (SsfrenifiUL-.fr^,
The wealth of the plough is unfailing.
5435, (Sti^eS ^^Ljdu ^tresf) /fiJkwLJLy,
Sages are intent upon self-denial.
5436. QinG/nLisetT Q^irp Qsetr,
Listen to the words of the great.
5437. (7£/)69rfinLiD£i9^ (SineiiesiLbUJ^ QLL€\)fnjb u^eQ\UGsr,
The most excellent is the possessor of the highest state of bliss.
5438. 65>^ ^€fnmurrLD€\) (iP^(S •^'--®»
Rub your back without spoiling the paint.
5439. €iniiieQjfiujfrL^Ss8r^ en6HuaeirO(nprLp(y^,
Live far removed from prostitutes who paint their eye -lids.
5440. efnmeQifiujfrrr uiSwrui^eu.
Avoid the house of a prostitute.
TAMIL PBOYEIIBS. 509
5441. OininL€s>L^/i /s^i^ih Qpipiisiir^i(^iB Qpt^ ^iLi^^Quneo ^
Like joining a bald head and the knee, by tying a knot of ftair.
An imjiossibility.
Has he come to reign with a crown on his bald head I
5443. QubmLesiU.^ fi2eoSio Qugst (S^q^uht ?
Will lice attach themselves to a bald head T
5444. QLofriL€fDL^/i ^Seou9/b (Sunu eur^Lntr ?
Will a demon come on a bald head T
5445. QiLfTiLesiu.^ fl^u9p Qu&srQuireo.
Like a louse on a bald head.
i446, Qu^rriLesnt^^ ^Ssctuek QufTQ^ic^ ^^<F/r«9r,
A bald-headed man fears not to fight.
>447. Oto/TLlsDZ—^ ^Sso«(g ^0 Q^iinLQi 6i^€ffiL^y (Sunfrfntfi^ ^2ecio^
To a bald head, a cup-shaped basket^ to a hornless head, a basket of
goads.
448. Ou^fTiLemL^p fiSsoium Qpn^ QiBir^imirirm,
A bald-headed man is a perfect cheat.
A noseless man, fit for a bald woman.
150. QLairmQ ^^®p effiL.i^eo QairmQ «^6nr^/r«v ^cnjDtLjtuir'i
Will an affluent household be content to live from hand to mouth T
151. QmfrfiS9nfi6' Q&'tTpj^6»(^ QinefrCn ^i^^S(ff€ir,
iSe beats a tomtom to get a mouthful of rice.
510 u^QiLirtfi.
5452. Oll^l^ fluiQcsreu&ir eu^ ^ui^esreusir,
A promise breaker is in the wrong way.
5453. QinftL^ ^eu^nf^nm eutfi ^euQy^/r^,
He who is true to his word, swerves not from rectitude;
If one break his promise, his undeiijaking will faiL
5455. QiLfTtfieu^ ^p QiniTL^^
Speak decisively.
(ftijO/r*.
Benounce lust.
5457. Qtnir^La Qpuu^ iBireiT ^es)^ ^JMU^ iBir&r,
Lust continues thirty days, desire sixty days.
Will not even a door-step break under excessive pressure ?^
5459. (oLDtra'Lb uiriu QunC.(Sl^,^ii(^&p^f
Danger slumbers on a mat.
5460. (SL0fr/B^Q<aBirefr€iJ^(Sufr6\) fSi^aSpjp^
To bite when apparently kissing.
5461. QudfTn^ii^u (ourrSp6U(f^i(^ QP^^ L9psfr(Se\)(oujfr ?
When going for buttermilk why carry the pot concealed behind
5462. C?ifi/r(5«(gw QufTiLi QimriB&si^^siiu ^efiuuir&sr ^&fr ?
Why conceal the vessel when going for buttermilk I
5463. CoinirCojrrr ^GfrSpeuek m(in^^io eQiaath siLif.€ar^(?ufre\),
As a linga was tied to the neck of a buttermilk seller.
TAMIL PROVERB'S.. 511
5464. (oLDiresTLD erekuj^ ^fresraujniiLj,
Silence is tke bulwark of wisdom.
5465. QLDetresTLb 45sv« mnr^'LD,
Silence puts an end to quarrels.
)466. OLDeir(Ssii (^i^ffDUJss QaQuusefr,
A reserved woman will destroy her family..
UJTa
467. (urr^ (Lpp/S^ed eQiurr^^
Matured meditation ends in disease.
46S, tufrSssr ^^^jSfrev ^Sjtlo Quireisr QujijLD^Lids^sjry^^frsv ereir
esr Quj^LD ?
A black ekphant is worth a thousand gold peices, what will a
black cat fetch r
'■ I
Sixty feet from an eiephaqti seventy from^a d^arf.
CSuireo.
As an,elephant throws sand on its head;
71, uj/rSssr^eirp 6Senmk<$esfl(oLJrr€\)^
Like a blighted wood-appler—
12. lurr^ssr lB^^^u t9e^Lpu\j!Tir^€nir ?
Will they survive who bav^ been trampled on by an elephant ?'
Ab a Ji9/re strained itself before twj elephant*.
612 uifiQui/r^.
5474. iurrSesrQp^eofresr Qufiuj Q^i^Meir ^ffifi eBQpiB/Brre\) tBesiifs,
./rir
•
Large beasts such as elephants &c., when they fall down from &
high place, live not, so are the great.
5475. lUfT&srefntu ^u9jnja QurrGsr^^(^ euiriiS Sl(5^H ^^(^^/i^p
Having bought an elephant for a ^hundred pieces of gold, wlif
hesitate to buy its iron goad T
5476. ttJ/rSar68)ttJ^ QfSL^k (^L.^^i(^iL «n<« eneu^/s^CaU/rev^
As one put his hand into a jar when he was seeking an elephant
Suppose it rain to the end of the Yuga, will a potsherd be thereby
dissolved !
If.
5478. jressTL^fTiLi^ei ^atnLtf.esr (^iLtf^tuirij^ fi^^fBjgi.
It turned out to be a kid that had sucked two dams.
5479* 9>dmm9smiD uffLb ^etrts^fBm.
Abstinence is the best medicine.
Double expense to the niggard.
TAMIL PBOYXBBS; 513
€3il.
5481* eatbsessrMfrjrGO' Lf(stj^(^ mir^puif. £bil(Sli2).
The lies of a paramoar reach as &r as the door.
5482. eum^Lb ^otq^so fsii^LHy euit^ih Qd^tLi^irev uijsth.
When lead is eaten it becomes gold ; i^hen it is spoiled it becomes
useless.
5483. euaSe^Lb etsirir^esifsi^ «jy<^^ib> LjQ^i&s^s £.69)^<s^ ^^^ld.
The high-born are afraid of reproach, a Snenial i^ afraid of kicks.
5484. eiS€F9Sfu^ uem^asr ^^uirujih ^irjremih.
In framing rules tact is required.
5485. €u^&'iBin9u9(o&) nQ^flfs t-iQp.
A worm produced in poison.
5486. eiS6F^iBin9es>aj ^uljlj uirrrMeoirLLir f
Is arsenic to be tasted to ascertain its ffavoiir }
There is no way beyond Vachham, there is no gourd-siell to beg
alms.
)488. ffl/(g5^«/r<i@ <sr&iresr (Sfs^ih siriLi^^^w Qib^St QiB<5Fih 0<3B/r
etreirfrHr^
No matter what love is shown to the deceitful, it will not aflfect the
mind.
'489. eu^ifiir io^pifff^^ eH(ip€S ^0O(^.
Relinquish intercourse with the deceitful.
490. eu^^sFiir utreo ^MiLtf.^^Lb /Bf^f/riueBQih.
Even milk given by the deceitful becomes poison.
It is better to die tkan to live long in a deceitfiU course.
3i
614 u ifiQia^fTAfi::
As th^ wiad veered to the^northjt, began to rains
This is geneirallj true as regards Madras.
5493* euL^ids^SiufrSssrii^th euu9p^ 6U^€9)UJiLith /Bthueo ^^n-^j,,-
T^u must not be heedless of a northman, or of the belly-ache..
'.I J
5494. fsui^iQs ,s^^fiir<io u^^iDLp euQ^th,
Darkening in the :riorth betokens raii\.
A pyal,faQing south is prpferi^hle to a terraced house with ^ northern^
aspect.
Tbe foll^wj^ng jtdei relafcipg.to the ,b4|il(lit)g of a |i;Ouse will illiu-
trjate this proverb.
Havinjv selected jp. site, the frontage .must be, divided into nine
eqtial parts, five being assign ed to the right, and three to the left, the
fourth d i vision being reserved for the door- way. The enumeration be-
gins, on the left,and;,t]>usthe fourth sectipn is in the mansion of M«^
cur J. The occupant of such a house may become as w^ea.ltby as Knbecai*.
A person bprn under Gemini^ Cancer or XjCO must build lijs home
on a line stretching east and west, the entrance being j>laced eastcrl/.
A person born under Virgo^ Libra pr Scprpio, must build oua/'M
r,i)nning north and^^ouih, the door- way Jbeing southerly*
One born under Sagitarius, Capricorn or Aquarius, most bitU.
lyjsst and ea^t placing the entrance westerly. . If born und^r Fiecii.
Aries or the Twins, he must build south and north the door beisf
placed northerly.
A family occupjing^a hjuse bui|t coi^rs^rj >o thceo. rules wiD bt
ruined..
Trim tbe ywng palmyral^,,apd,,tie up^j[,hg.h|^^
' ♦ ' ♦ ' '
Is it in expectatioii.(^ tod^^y thai you. pla^t a palmjisiJi lye« '
TAniL PBOTSSBS;. &1£ >
5498. euQsfgpiih fiiUgpspjih oLLliStJ -Utt9/r §iL^t^ ^gt)^.
The story of a Telugu man 'Cind a Tamil man, cultivating jointly.
A Telugu man <}oe» not^ nndisrstand Tateil^ he ' wiU ^>all vaik61 hSsn^
5500. eu®(^ Q^iTQp^^ireo euesip' ^iLtf.pr^ui,^9ff^'K
If a Telugu man prosper, lift is of no use to any one. *
5501. 6w®g QuirQssfTiS'iSr smeaiQ^irp Qufrnr Qme)) M'^^,
The slave has become small, tbe coFn-stack is thrashed into paddy. .
Did she tell you to eat thecakes; or to counti the: holes in them ? /
5506. euiLL^ih ^pfiliLfLo eutBi'^ jsujr.QeuessrQw^
Although you go round, you:must come in by the entrance; .
5504. euiLif- -^^^^ Qpfi^i Q^^^J^^.^
Excessive desire after interest, destroyed the, capitaL..
5505. 6i/{lzjL<i(g eutl^i^ er^ir 6iiiLif-UJ/r ? .'
Is compound interest uncomnvxi ?
)506. euiLtf. ^tLi^ih eS^ ^tLt-^^^^ih ^^sth.
The speed«:at which interest.accunmlatesis^reaterthan tlfat of a a
car.
i507. euiL(Sleu^^4kQLD0O O^frtLQu. Quirdl^ujtreo €UiL(Si(^^^p^.iLir^.
Will a slap oa a betel'- pouch; affect the pouch only J :
508; eu^emitSesT eQeo >^Eiss)a €Q^i(^iii^i .
A bent bow^ swill 'do? mifidufef .- '
599, 6U€SifriBS&F Qfi&r ^iDflSSlFjgJ,
A^pUdnt thorn irill not .penetcat^o.
516 uifiQuiirfi.
5510. a/€9D0<s/fA0- ^^(^ ^^ires^uihQ^jufieo.
^o trade is the beo^uty of mecrehantg.
A cart may be seen on a boat, and a boat on a cart.
••5512. euessr® ^jr^^Q^ ^€bO^ ojir^^dssres^uj ^jQiLjLb; ^^Qusen^
As beetles smell at a distance the fragrance of flowers, so tk
learned understand one's character when he is at a distance.
5513. eueifr® ^Qp^ u^jrih g)60^,
vTbere is no tree that cannot be bored by a beetle.
5514. sw«Hfr635r^^«^« Semessrw U!r(SlSQtf&sr,
He sings an unmelodious tune.
'5515. giiggrgBr)^i<g(g QiBiriu €uiB^!Teo aeoCSso/rCSi^^
If a washerman is sick, he gets better at the washing stone.
5516. eit€irr^^^(^ih iSq^euiTesSi^^Lb s-pe^ er&sresr ?
Whett friendship has a washerman with one who wears no clotbes'
5517. eumr^^^i^ euesffr^^^Qwso ^esiS", 6U€ssr^^^^^^ *9
The ^nrasherman longs for the washer- woman, and the washff*
woman's desire is fixed on her donkey.
5515. euetkf^^eir €n^u9so mirpjv^ mu^mrr,
A change of gaiments in the hands of the washerman.
5519. fii/6wr^6ir etn^tBeo Q ^Se^osiiuu (SumL®^ 0«/r«S6ir i9ar(lsf
QuwSpflir f
Having put your clothes to the washoman^ do you chase tbe cnae :
'5520. eaessr^&sr i9enSstr Q^fiflireo ^LbuiL t^igpii^ i£ut9/r QufSpP*
If the washerman's child die, the barber cares not a hair.
TAMIL PROVBJlBSi 417^
5521. «w«HT^6ir j^OiptS^ Qfiuje\)^utr€0,
Like a hare al the washermati'^B washing pMce^
5522.. Q/g»r|gg)^/«gQ/'f Qutr^Gsr eiiGSsr^^^^ii^ eu/h^fr^.
To the washerman, his name- was **gpne;** to the washer- woman> ,
" come."
This proverb is explaiiied^as foliow^: — a washerman . engaged a
servant who gave his name as P^nan, he w gone* Id the abseoce of <
her husband he told the washer- woman that his name was YandaAi, he
is coTne*
^ The washerman wanting the man called him bj name^-Pdnau. At
the same moment the wife called the maa by his other name Yandan.
The washerman thereapon concluded that the servant had gone to -
his wife. Again he called as before, and^his wife also called. As the
servant did not come to him, the washerman becanie angvy and went
to his wife when an altercation took place. The matter being ex-
plained, they suspected that something was wrong, and spon found >
that the roan had odade off with their savings, and tliat he had i
given the two names to serve his seci'et (iarpoae«
52.3: eu^69)eu Q&=dj^ euiry).
Get married and live prosperously. .
Which is more important, dress or food I'
'25. eu/B^SB airCSsOfr® uik^p mfr^eoi <aBtl/^<iO«/r6wr® ^(^iSl(ff\u\
Thou standest embracing the pillar of the paadal, havmg walked a }
long way.
The quarrel thai^ has .ensued is net relinquished, nor is anothei^A^
causelessly sought;
{7. eu/B^6UT creoeoiTLb ^mis9x/»ji9^ (gt^ujfr ?'
Do a.11 that cometOfrntoketJoeside there^T.' .
5528. W/Bfj» eOSur Quir^tr^ e^fr^ir ^dsur €^>jnr^.
' The evil that has betided one will not^o, that which has nt>t, will
not come.
^e damsel played ^t ball as soon as she cmme^ in the course o!
tiiBe^e%6«ame indolent.
'5530. ^/B^frctnff •euiTifi esisai^vDj wmr^sSeo "Spfsfiireffiirfi ^m^ am
It will cause straij^gers to Sourish, and natives to decay and sink.
• 5531. eiTiB^ir^Lb ^ttR, G'urr^£fiith <F/fl,
It is all the same whether he comes or goes.
• 5532. ektisflnrp SrthiLir euQFjii^ eujrirmpQutr^so ^^jpifm euirfrjp
^hen good things come, they do so unc^cited^; when they do not
come, not one of them appears.
• 5533. euthurresT eisirir^es)^ LLesT^i(^ ^q^wq^um,
JBad words«ave<an abomination to the mind.
Is It proper to make obeisance to a .government, that rules wJtk
severity ?
• 5535.' ^tu^'iCo^fr fssmrr^fl^ LDtBq^^iQssir mentr^^jp,
^oestbe'becoming grey arise from age or from the hair.
: 6536. eutu€\) QpujpSu9eo fiireS^nju^ 9^essru.iTLb.
' The labour of ihe field brings grain.
• As the^phJsician wept at the head of the bed.
•5538. €Utt9^^uj^ GndiGMPu uirir^jp mtriQiLi^^Qutreo^
.As the physician, after feeling the pulse, gave his qpini^s*
tAlflLPKft verb's. 619
As given up by a phjsicfan.
A physitian does bot'attain h^Vto, a teacKer in^j.
Will enthusiasm induce one to swallow a razor t
^542, euu9(nf>jrLJ (oUfr^€srnpui ^emir^uirpu Lf&nL^&n^iLfih ^jsvdso^
No food for ike stomach, nor cloth* to fbV the waii^t.
5543. euSjpi iSjriht9(^e\) un^gsr ^i^irar.
She will not cover thfe rice-pot if her belly is full.
If one should cut open his belly to prove his innocence, even then
they would attribute it "to jugglery,
5545* euiiQ/b^i/^ Q^trp^i^iT^ hi{j^^S'ar(suirSsT (okirdQ^iLLLQih ibl^u
fie will walk as far as Vaidiswaran kbvH, if he can ge^ a liieal.
i546. euiiip^S (^L^2sO<i <a>/ril/p-g)Ji2fiii suiresiifi /srrir ermS(yrf>sk,
Although the entrails be showh to him, ne sajs they are only the
fibre of the plantain tree.
•-*
)547. €uu9pjriiLj LSeyrSsrrewk; /6Lat9 infr^ Qb^ujiQp i9&ir8sn€j)aju upSi
QmiT®^^!rp\Suirs^,
As if one suffered herself to be deprived of her soil, who was tend-
ing cattle, in anticipation of a child in the womb.
,1 f r- r-,
5548. 'euu9p^LJ uiTLbLfi(^i ^G)(^LDy euSstt LJ uituiLii(m Qeamii(mth
®®.
Take mustard to kUl the irtaw--%<)rm^ and pdttr htit watet to kill a
snake in a hole.
*5549* eujruQujr. fi^Ssoi(^ ^Ssfor eafnum^/rCSeOff u^6if Oubfie^fs,
l!h^ ridge of the fields his pillow ; the channel, his cotton mattress.
S550, euiTLDLj ^iUir Mir &.(u.0£r»^ /?/r fuvuir 0/seo e^tufo^ih, Qeio &_aj iri
(^t^ ^aj(r^LD, ^if. s-ujjr Qpt^ p-ujq^ld.
As the ridgf^ rise the water will rise ; as the water rises the paddv
will grow, as paddy flourishes, the population will increase ; as
that increases the crown will rise.
5551^ CijjrmLf ^tuir/B^freo Qi6€\> wu(P(^ihx O/seo &.iuiTiBj5rrso Q^ak
When the fields are fall of water, paddy will rise, when |)addy rises
the /armer'd ai^thority will rise.
5552. emrenir u^iriSiuirir 6S(ip<ss>^(pUfr6\) ^^err.
In t^e qourse of time the mother-ii^-law became a donkey.
..'.T' y
5553. euireifi(&j^ ^(^ifs Q&^eDSif,
IJxpense according to one's income.
5554. aijTQ/ 0«/rg5<3rii gusQuli Oid^^,
The income small, the labour great.
5555. euiB (Durr(pL^e\) (omtLesyu.^, Q^Qi^eo,
Do not impose taxes, do not cause evil.
5556.. eUlfl6!f)iSFlLILD ^^SsO, ^fHQlLfLtt ^^Sst).
Neither respect npr rige.
5557. euQ^SpQufT^ 6^6U6t)ff;ii> eii.69arJ, euQ^th, €ui^t9€9r (SuirSpQui
When comiBg, q.11 coHiea unsought, and h,avin|r comCj, all goes at
once.
VJ ■■ ■ J J '■■
5558. euQ^GSffeSfT' Seven/r eu(^^^u QutuiLiQLDir ?>
Will cloijids sho:wer on a select few I
5559; eu(Tfi^Q^e)) ^wir^Sjg! ^&irjpf jg^euSso.
Nothing i^ unattainable wlien steadily pursi^^
TAMIL PBOVERBS. 521
j560. 0/0/8^ QJQ^m^u uirnr^^ir^ih euQ^SpQutrQ^^flfr^ eun^Lo,
Though one labours never so hard, the desired good will only be
obtained in its time.
5561. euQ^Qp&sr s/TuueuGsr Qta^fr&tresr Lj^^S^tfytu euik^iS^ siruusu^
As the after-wise, rejected the advice of the fore-sighted.
5562. euQ^eu^ QwtrmQ<stsrGsr u^Seujp u®,
I predicted the consequence, suffer what you have to suffer..
5563. euQ^eu^ eui^^ er^(7i^6ii u®6u;^ UL^QsusifrQih,
If that which was to come is come, endurance is necessary.
5561. euQ^eufr&ir (^q^l^&st 6Q(tp6Uir&fr 8e8sr/b/iS(peo,
The blind man will come and he will fall into the Well.
5565- ffl/60<S5)LD<i^ 6Utpi(^^ ^€VSS0,
Power admits of no disputes.
')566. eueBvuu OugSst OsnQiSlQQff-Lti <srm(nfso (^&>ih ereiresr Qmtr^^
jTUi sresresr Gresrufrrraefr,
If a girl be offered in marriage unsolicitecjl, thf^y will enquire after
her family and after her tribe.
5j;7. eusQiu eufh^ &(S^6S€S)UJ<i srre\)frs\) ^^esi^^^s ^Girrerrsvrricir ?
Should the goddess of prosperity who came to you spontaneously,
be kicked and turned out ?
568. eiJsdiUsu&fT ST®^^^ eui^.
The strong man's way is the way.
369. eusSiu wupeufTtf- €kJrr<3F(sQ(S&) eui^rrjj^ui, Qundj ^pwfrv^u
When I go to his door in a friendly way, he feigns friendship, but
bids me go away.
%hat. isthp chjEmo^el which waa cut by the strong, inan.
522 UtpOvblTL^;
An ensnared ^eer.
5r)72. €ue\)e^t^ eut^ieviaiy^ Q^/reoev^ iD'fTLS,
Mother-in-law, give atti account of the tiolent. quarrbK
5573. su6\)ev6u^ ^tLt^uj uthuirtii LoeifsrsQ^tii M^th,
The top thrown by the Strong will spin even in sand
— -•-— -~
5574. eu6V6\)e9iLD QuQa^e^'^,
£oast not of thy power.
5575. euioe\)eu ^i(^u Lfev^th mlj^ld.
Even a blade of grass is a weapon to tlie strong*
ariib
5576. eue\)evsu^i(^Lj t^eo ^iLj^tp,
Grass is a weapon to the sti'ong man.
Every powerful man in the world has his rival.
«5578. susoe\)irir ^ien^^ireo euii^ ^Sstruurrj^iJLD ^rmjru Qs'trioeo^i
When* the p6^v(*erful fail, thi^ brave will surely welcome them.
5579. eusoevrrnr Qairen^sfT eiifT(5S)LpLjuifiih «^(g^.
The spoils of the strong will soon go to waste as a plantain.
5580. 6wa)a5Sso<i ak-e^piLju^ OLo^affSsoi sur^eaiLfLb .^«/r^.
A dear-bought cloth, and a low-priced bull are useless.
5581. eueuou/rev €ff^iL®d(^ eu&jemr.^ ^ih^ireo iSiLjth QjSfrei^ kit^^
When one bat visits another, the host will say, you hang, and I v
do the same.
He who waylays and plunders is a thief, the vehicle of Visnou w
the hawk.
TAMfMi ^ROVUBBS. 523
5583, eai^iB€tf)L. ^ttit^gd/s euirmesrijbQutreo,
Conversation on «a .journey is equal to a^eonveyance.
A straw rope is the bridle for a strigr horse.
•5585, eu^iiSQeo St^'iSp Q^iri^irSesiiu ^(B^^i ^fSmQibio QuiriL
QsQsfr&TeuirCSenr&fr ?
Why should a man meddle with a hatchet lying in the road and
cut his foot !
5586. euL^Qiu (qtjdi^ €u^Qiu iS^sf^a,
Go by the way, imd return by the way.
•^587. euL^Qiu QuiTiU eui^Quj eui^irso ^^dSfrif) Q<3FiEi3dsiTS\) erssr&sr
If a man go and come by the highway, what can the sceptre of the
chief do to him ?
•5588. eui^Coiu QurrSp fF^ssfliudssr 6urrjr^^^(^ ®s!T{mSl<^p'^ufreo^
Like hiring Saturn whom one met on his way.
■
^589. «//^ euL^tumuu (Sufr(^ih(Su/r^ e9^ GQ^iumu (suq^Qip^^
As each goes on his way, destiny accompanies him.
5590. €urt£SsS eQtfifr^ (g^ew/r euenLLfresr (^^<o^fr.
The horse that does not stumble is the best horse.
'5591, €UQ£t6it(ipji^ ^pissieuu umrssS^iJi eineujrih u/bfSiu us!T><3s .^ikj^f.
Inveterate hatred is better than fickle friendship.
The future fruit may be known when it nits.
5593. euerrir^^ au.fr ubrriri9p uiruj/B^^(SLjrre\),
.As the trained ram flew at the breastr
55^4^ ey^ir^fi fBfnu Qprn^eDflu uir^.iSip^Qurrsoi
As a trained dog looks at the face. *
524 utfiQinfTi^.
5595. euemruLi eui^Ssm^ ^fSiutr^,
A hanger on does not understand politeness.
5596. euetTiSum ^uS^Cb ^(srreii ^/SiBjp ^&fl^^ e-6wr.
Though possessed of abundant wealth, be moderate in giving and
eating.
5597. ^dotr/B^ QfiiiSe\) ^sT'S'eisr Qp.t^Q,iL&>^ eu^iuir^ QpiE/Q^ seni^i
A bent bamboo above the king's crown, a straight one under the
feet of pole-dancers.
5598. eujSQdjrrrT'if^ -^iPO Gd^€fnu^Sp (odsawenm.
Decency in adversity is commendable in the indigent.
5599. 9i3^^^ uiuj^ QpdsfT^i^unr ?
Will parched peas germinate ?
5600. eujpisisiib £B6ssri^€uir Goemu^^eo ^Qtssilr^
There are many in the world wha are accustomed to poverty.
5601. eiJ^npjsmLD &iiB^iTe\> u^^ih ujoi^CSufTLD,
When poverty comes, the ten vital airs will fly off.
5602. 6lJ£i/&DLDd5^ ^(S^sGtLfUi Q<9'S06U^^fb(^fF ffCS/SeGlLfth,
Adversity is attended by the goddess of misfortune, prosperity bf
the goddess of fortune.
5603. ^^i^jT^^ j5;s»)/p/5/fl«cir ^emt^iuirmeSl^ ^irm^ eQdff^
sea.
The sly jackals of the wilds, are inveterate enemies to idiepherdii
5601. 6ki^0^ireo euessrds^^^ih ^^SsrQ^irio euasriEisfreinua mfoih.
Better is gentle resistance^ than submission with rough wofd&
TAMIL PBQV^BBS. 525
5605, e^irsesTLD s^etretreu&tr /b&dl^ss^ ^^^fr&sfy uire\) fe-^wrz—zreir ufu
He who has a conveyance will not be afraid of moving, he who is
fed on milk will not care to attend a feast.
5606. euiTGDSS ^&riDi9(^<9i^ ^imL^euirmetr ^ei)2so, eunrdsiresr Q^ekesrui
None ever saw the tender fruit of the Mimosa flexuoaa, nor a
straight young cocoanat tree.
5607. €Uire9>s ^etriD i9^&r mmu-euirseir u^ekfrCoL^fr f
Has any one seen the tender fruit of the Mimosa ?
5608. euirmQ^so Q^^lLl^ a(ipes>^ss}tULj (SuiriSQev eQ^tsidsefr.
Let the ass go that brought evil on itself by braying.
>609. eumaSssr <sz-.2Rir<s Qstn^fr/S eueoedfrerraeim—^,
A mighty cheat who never pays his debts.
Does the sun rise by the permission of the threshold, or by the per-
mission Mahad^va I
611. euir^^(ef^i(^ ^pp euuSpjpif er fi <3f a= e\) ,
Sorrow suited to the present life.
He wiio IS destined to live long, is not liable to die by accident,
613. €uir,€aBuLD Q^iuu9p ^iTisaflu^u^, ^jbS,
In iiaatters of tracle, note down the smallest fraction.
,614. eair^sSiuimCenL^ euaQiri ^lLgdl^ Q^iu^QfSiu^ ^&j>l^ljuss
The postte of an oil-press is tough, irhea worn away it may become
« broom-stick.
526 • ti^ipQuyfrtfi^.
A gunny bag will not hold the excessive desires of the oil merehant
5616. <oU!TesSiurr^&T ^Oti O'&'iGDm eaSstnu eun^LD erQ^j^aeir.Quir&„
Like the oxen that go round the oil-man's press,
5617. euiTfl^jp ^djeoLf epQi^sv,
Do not indulge in, rheumatic humour.
5618. eufr^m Q6b(Si^^\^ utr^ Gushr(^&fr Os(Sl/i^^ ufr^.
It was destroyed partly by the wind, and partly by the^waafiemuai^
5619. euir^LD sflt^ ^^/S, Qouj^m g)^ Jy^.
Learn alchemy by experiment, and the vedteby lecitatioa.
5.620. eurr^ ^0ssr^^i(^ ldlLi^ld eriLQ LLffp^,
To the eye of an aldiemist, common gold appears as ntandiiTd geU
When a distinguished dancing |[Irl becomes old, .shanQay teadasBtt.'
5622. euir^Qpp &h.(op&).
Do not begin a quarret
5623. cmriurrt^ euffir^sin^ u^L-t^eoe^rr jremeik,
T^e wprds of a babbler are fine dust.
Like a bafe .that feeds ai\d ejefcts by the .mouth. .
^
Though you entreat, he will net give even an unyipe plantainf W
if the^Qieperof his mothercomes, he. will produce a whole buofik.
5626.. •W7r[L;/r(?6t>..(?6BLLz_^/r^ a//r.ffinLpLyL9Q^i»£i QsurL^irm fB^^-^M^
\V;ben entreated, he wilL not -give an unripe plantain,, but* V"^*
puftiah^d he.: will give a :v^hole buixch...
.^
tauhj pfte^sBBs. air
5627. €U'riiS(S'eo tLpt^u^cifr^Qe^ usda,
Friendahip in the mouth, and hittred in the miiid!
^628. mirti9(Se\) fi.6»r® eu^.
The way is in one^s mouthy.
5629. eufrs^iuu unrfr^^ -^S^ (^iu^^fT<sisr,
Seeing the man's inability ta apeak, he cheated hiin<
5630. eutnu ^Q^m^fF^ euiBSKfreirtJb Qun-fxevfrtjo,
If possessed of a mouth, one may find his way to Benga \:
If you had.no mouth, a dog would carry you away.
!?''"TTT""Wr"''^"
If not possessed^of a mouth, even a dog-will next take notice of himv,
563S. eurriii ^(r^i^iie\) i9^^ i36s)ipd(^ijbi,
If the ch^d have a mouth, it will livCr.
The box thftthas Sir mouthy has no bottom^
5685. eufnii smuijB ljgQ ^enQmCoev 60(LpfE^^(Sufre^,
As a,, hungry, tiger fell on ^man..
5636. euffAuiQsn'^ULi'3F S.2ei)u9eo eutf.8p^,.
His |ir?:ogance oozei^jbhxpiigh.bis :Cloth., .
Dpe^ rheui^atism a^oli on^la mouth t '
^€38.. euir.dj, faFffimtstsiir, es>^ Qmtfi^esiir,,
Sugar in bis:mouth>.apdthe very c^posite in the hand% v
. ■-,..' «".
Tlie mouth ^Ul resist, the nape of the. neck will WQrslup^
5.
628 ujfiQmtrifif
5640. euiriuflrr&sr ^(n^iSmp^ &nnui^ jy/fffti(g a/y9 ^eaSso,
He has a mouth, but no means of procuring rice for it.
5641. edinu ^pdsu Quiriu ^pi(^ih.
When the mouth opens, lies come forth.
5642. ediriifl^ fleBQih Quiriu ^(Sul/ Q/B(T^LJLjih CSufrear^CSuireo,
Like losing bran from the mouth, and fire from the health.
5643. ^^1^ fB6\)0O^rr^eo sair meoe\)^^
When the mouth is good, the village is good.
5644. euiriu uirnrji/seuefT euirifi^ ^ffim^tr&r ^ihueoih utrHrfifiea&ff Q^
She who was looking at the mouth, became a widow : and he who
watched the house, lost his wife.
5645. euiriu Lfefl^fiQ^ir LDirasfnu L/sfi^i/^Qflir ?
Which is sour, the mouth or the mango ?
6646. fiW/Tiu iLjS^^freo eutfii(^ §lififs^fr^.
He lost his suit by the haughty words of his mouth.
5647. eurrdj u^^^fiireo eufrip&neu ^tpi^iresr.
He lost his fortune by the arrogance of his mouth.
5648. euiTiL eufretoffiUULpih €Si6s €BQ^dssvri@^m(^^
Plantain fruit in the mouth, and karanai roots in the hands.
-Am
5649. eu/rir/ieif)^ ^Q^i^CSufrui, euifi ^ffirm^Quirih.
Words will endure, ways will fall into disuse.
Premature genius foretokens a short £fe.
5651. eu/reo ISessri^ sifa^Q^eQ eueotb ^jQ^i^ ®^^ Quir^io, *f^
1{ a long taUed blackbird fly from right to left, those who wj:
on foot will, on their return, mount palanquins wrought ^
gold.
5652. &iir^ Qutr^^LB QuirQp^ €T6Sf9(^^ Q^irio QeumQih,
It does not matter if the tail is lost, I want tlie skin.
5653. eairifiirfi QuGssr^^i(^ e^m ^essrt^y QuiriL® ^essrtf^y tn^^&r
Of what use are paint, the marriage symbol^ and turmeric water, ta
a woman who refuses to become a wife t
5654. eufTQpQp eff^iLif-so mjrfBiriu siLif-esr^Qoireo^
As a polecat was tied up in a hoiise o^clipied by a ptt)sperous
family.
5655. eufr(ipiD i3eir^€nuj eQdsfriu/TLLi^Oeo Q^iflitith^
The future pfosperity of a person may b6 known wheh h6 is play-
ing as a child.
)656. euiresiip •iy^- cu/remip^
The sucker of a plantain tree becOiAes another tree.
i657. QuresiLpuuifi^^io ^sl^ <^j)isu ^Quired,
Like a needle penetrating ^ plantain.
»658» euireiFiLpLjucpui ^m^fl (^jrEi(^ ^evSso,
There ai*6 no monkeys that will not eat plantain fiilit.
659. €UiT€syifiuuifith Qmiressr(SlQuiTesrsuefr emr&'eSiio ^(mib^irm^ eujiu
She that took the plantains sat at the entrance> shi^ that took her
mouth> seated herself in the middle of the house.
The 01)6 who trusted her power of addi'ess obtained a better place
than the one who sought recognition by a gift.
)60. eurr&siLfi q/l-«(^ ff^l^ euirm «(yi(5 0^fb(^ ff^ld.
Plantain trees put forth their bunches to the north, and arica-nut
trees, on the south.
•61. euiry^Qp QuemrSssyr^ ^irtu/nr QsQ^^^Qurrev,
As a mother ruined a girl that Was settled in life.
81
590 utpQuyiT'L^.
5662; eairipSp QS*il.if^s\) eu^r^jrmic^ €S)6u^^^(SufrvO\
Like placing a. monkey in a family.
5663f euirtfiSp.eS'C-Qds^ ^^ 6^(5 m&fr(^jnEj(^,
He is as a. monkey in a hoijj^e.
■n ■■ r
Ascertain.th^ fviture of a family by putting down plantain trees.
It is said that plantains uatarally put forth their biinch9stotl»
north. Should the fruit appear otherwise, it is.oan.<idere.d omiDoui
to the homestead.
5^65. 6i//rzp«65)« Qia5frQ^^ouehr<o^ssu9e\> 6Ufrt^(Gmuy,
Length of days is in the hands of him who gave prosperity.
56,66. eufTLpiB^^ QmiLi^ireo eu-^jj gj-Ll®65(^Lb ^«^^.
When, thg,t whiph flourished decays, it id not worth even a potsheri
5.667. ^fTlfi^^eiJ^. 6U/!SlU(dlJ^^6V €U&Dp ^L-lf^p(^Lb ^Sff^,
If a, prosperous person suffer reverses, he will not be worth a black
pQtsh(?rd,
When the daughter who Ijves in affluence -pays a. visit, let ^ ^
seated on a fine mat; when she whp is reduced tp poverty com^
seat her on an ,old mat^
5-669; <sufrifi6un-Q^<i^fk. S(S^je3 6Ufru9(o6V,
The godijles^ of jfprtuqe is in the mouth .of the prosperous..
Prosperity for.a time, and adversity for a ti^e.
TJiough you may acquire thousands of wealth by dea^terity, *w;
physical strength, be frugal..
TAMIL PR0VER3S. 58B
5672. &iir(ef^i(^ ^uQjtld (Sflfr(Sf^6S(<^ ^u9jrth,
A thousand by hia sword, a thousand by his arm.
5673. euiresr^^i(^iS^ §!l(§'^J^ Lb<ss)Lpi(^ili UiUuui^e^inLir ?
Living under the conopy of heaven, may we be afraid of rain I*
5674. euir&frQpiii u^iEliLfU^ Q^fretremr^frdir Lojr^^^Ui S€\)6Q^th ^q^.
Will he whom heaven and earth cannot contain,,dw«U in. woodland!
stone T
5675. €Ufr€sr(oLD Ff&srp^ y^tSQiu ^iribSp^,
The heavens produced, and the earth sustained^
5676. ©i/rswii uiriTASu QuiriLjih ^sfm^^^eofr ?
When you go to gaze at the heavens^ d6 you find any impediment T*
5677. eufrcsrCb 6rjris^ flrresrii^ ^pi(mu^.
When it rains abundantly, liberality will abound;
5678. eutresrih SrQ^ikSSfp Qyesrih fSi-(f^iBi(^iJb.',
When drought prevails charity fails.
5679. eair^ Q^iis^ p-^^iim &s>euiUiBLb &resr€sr Q^iuiLfCb ?
What can the world do in>return for-the favours of heaven V
a2^.
5680. eQ^u^iSp. jpifsiB 6PL^6sr€\)e\)fr(sv ua^ii^L^p pSf30. sireisru^ '^^^i.
If the sky withholds rain, not a. blade of grass can be seen.:
5681. eSai^eunr^i^ Qafr^(^ fsi^Lo/rt^^ Q^^^fl/rih,
It is said that a devout crane died from ^wandering about^
i£82, eQareuir^iif ^(f^{B^ir€\) QeuSu^ti^ i^einifiuufr&r, i8<3Fih ^(f^ifijreOr
If she be faithful, even a harlot will prosper ; if he be* honest, .ev#ai
the Jo w-bom will flourish.. .,
532 utfiQuyfTifi.
5683. ^3i<oiifr^u llSsst aQ^eumLetnu.^ ^iStiQsireisr® CSuirSp^nk,
It is said that a derout cat carried away the dried fish.
5684. 6l5(5^^6»)^<i (^tf-65au UfreV/TLDfT ?
Will poison when drunk turn into milk !
Poison is the medicine of poison.
5686- «fis^/i ^^(ff^i Qarrev^ih^
If poison be swallowed, it will kill.
He who has swallowed poison mast take pepper watei".
5688. sBg^ld (w,t^^fi!r$^Lo ^trsfrir eB^i-eiJfrQ^&r.
Though they may take |>oison, the faithful will not die.
.^A.
5689. ^(s^ii^ QuiBQ^fT urreuui'QuiBCo^fr?
Which is the more destructive^ poison or sin ?
5690. eSe^th ^jr (StD&j^^iu&sr Qe^assr^LD, ufreuLD ^jr/i O^iuaiiJ
0
A physician is necessary to counteract poison, and Grod, to x&nore
sin.
You must go to Srirangam to understand that Vishnu is f^
The inhabitants of Srirangam say that Vishnu is great, those
of Arunasalam, say that Siva is great.
Some profess that Vishnu is all in all, whili^ others maiDtam tW
Siva is the greater of the two.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 53$
5694. €9L.ir^3rjr^^d(^ ^(^^^mirmeiSi^,
Vishnukarantai-fifpAcBm'nifAi^ /ndicu«-is a specific remedy for
fever.
5695. eBi^w^ ubmtfi Quoj^fTso ui^rr^ ufrQ UL^QeuesarQiD,
Should it rain unceasingly, intolerable suffering would follow.
5696. eBi^r^ mesiipfuire^) ^eoeS ^(Lfi(^ ^ent-uQui,
Unceasing rain stops leaks.
5697. eQi^i^ireo QjasiBiLjih LDiruiB^Sstr (g^Oti Queik (^QS^ih.
It will be kuown at day-break whether the bridegroom or the briJe^
is blind.
)698. €Bif./6^th Qu€ifr^pji(^ QfitLL^tr^Q^ifr ?
Does the woman require a veil even after sunrise I
5699. eflzjLiu effzj^uji «65)^ Q^iL® ®ir/r^^i(5^ 9^^ ^^^ q^^
As one asked what relationship existed between R^ma and Sita
after listening to their history till day-break,
'700. eQt^iujbsireom seQujiressrih, ,9tf. jyi_r ^ru>Lieoih.
The marriage wiU take place at dawn, thou fellow, take betel.
Though the unfortunate may find work, he will not get his hire.
702. 6fl/jL<t/|fitl®ti ^mpji^euaatih eQt^i^^^L^ <s^/r^ fL«o/_^«a/.
He that draws water till day-break, and he that breaks his bucket,
at day- break, are on an equality.
Though it may rain tm day-break, a potsherd will not germinate.
04. eQiLtp.pj^S'^eiinuuQuirm upmsi ^S\Si(n^^,
He flits about iik» a gnws-hc^^r.
5705. eQiL(S eQiLQCf QuiiSp iL(sis)LpS^u:^ eQi^mbp QuiuQp ^m
Unceasing driving rain is pi'eferable to intermitted showers.
;5706. eBtLQ^L^ir ^ei^^ eBeirnrih utp^^ ^iLQl^itQl-,
"ff he pleasure of the wood-«,ppl« ceases with the shell.
.'5707. eflewr sitiLl^u Quiresreum ««wr miriLt^ eui^fr^to.
It is said that he who went to point out the h«avens, returned to
shew his eyes.
What is become of your ostentation, and where is your guitar?
-5709. eQ^ ^nknirdsoir^A meSiufTemu^ eB(ipiB^ QmrniLL^i^fr ^^^
O, thou tomtom beater, Vinumal is to be married, fell down^fi
beat your tomtom.
^5^710. eQ^Q^mjpi ^ui^^^ua ^iessrQeptrjpi fl/tJUW^.
One may escape a thunderbolt, but he cannot escape <te </<J^ ?
an evil eye.
.'5711. aflfiwrO^/r® Qawv^Qptf. Qm^SijCD eff'p&f) 0^6ir^«D<F« S^'V^-
Meru whose summit reaches to heaven, and the merit gi'^
mountain on the south.
.'5712. eQeifr Qu!T\u^^sirio ldcsst Qufnu6S(^ui.
]If the sky fail, the earth will fail.
5713. oSewr euSQfBir u^eior eueQCS^ir?
Which is the more powerful heaven or earth ?
5714. eflp XSurrQp eut^CSiu ll^ CSurr^iD.
The mind will follow destiny.
5715. fi^P (Lpi^i^eudssru utnjDLj sif^asi^th,
A viper wiU bite him whose prescribed term of life is at an cni
tAMtL pro*Verb&. 685
Can destiny be averted by prescience T
5717. eQ&vfi/rjrisirjrek Q^^^ireo i9iesiLpi^iTSsf,
A boaster if he die, cannot return 'to life.
Out of nothing, nothing <comes, whether above or below,
5719. eQ^^eu/r^i^^ er^ ujrQp^w?
What country is foreign to a man of learning!
5720. 6B^^6Uir&frA^dS(^ er^ Qufl^?
What is difficiftlt to the learned f
5721. eS/i^^i ^erreif) ininBiutrir dSp(m ^if^isu Ou'/r^errffih '<sp(^
The sapient old mother-in-law is said to havagot foul of tbfe thorny
cactus^ when she went to gather fireWoo^.
5722. eff/icB)^ ^pp&i&s^ ^iPO ea^re'^fSfSF ^^cv/r Qpqf^k^in lj^lj
Qurreo,
The beatfty of the unlettered, is likfe lihe inodoroiiB Mtiriiku -flower.
5723. eQ/ies)^ ^Q^thLj,
Desiire learning.
'iH I iS
5724. eQ^ev>^65 ^^err&fl, eOSeatUfTLLQi ferret?!, ufris/b'^mu eQpp ULpm
She is a hy{>ocrite, and idle ;--^she is that old thifef that sold pagal
fruit.
•li- i
i725. €6^€9)fluji^ infTtS €Bi(^^t^ ues^'Strirtii.
O thou pretending mother-in-law^ cakes lAick iiti toy throat.
Of arts fiorceiy is tha easiest, of textures the pastey boiling basket.
636 u^tpQihirifi.
5727* tO^etn^ ^t^iSp Q6sfri^^(^ JI&>ir^so ^q^iSp^irui iSt^jj,
It is s^.id that an, hypercritical hen haa its bile in its chest.
• •. ' -^ •
5728. Ji^en/siL^etretreu^ Quffiiuemsk,
^e who is learned^ is truly great.
5729. 6Q/s/rs=6ifr(oeo eQuf^ H^^*
Bent OD, destruction by a strange fatality.
573(y. eOtufT&'SajLp Q^p^eo ibiLl^ siDUih,
Litigation is^a pole planted in mud.
5731, eEhufr^i(^ u^q^m^ e_6wr.® eQ^6S(^ inQ^ijp ^-ekr^^tr f
lEedicine may be had for a disease, — ^is there any for destiny !
rssr
5732. ^lUfF^u9j^tJa £X>0/6^ QsfTl^^,
Th& medicine is. worse than the disease^
5733. eQjT^^^^Ui QuifKS^rr g^^ ^/b^ ?-
1$. fa^tiog more m^toriouatban penance!
5734. eQjr^ih QsiLi^fr^ih Sr6sih ;E«<s5(?6i/6wr®a),
Though th^ penance may prove ineffectual, one must have regard
to his comfort).
5735. €9jr^i(^^ ^<i« effMLd.
Hie. swelling will be proportioned to tjie size of the finger..
5736. eflirev c_^aff eSiT^i^esrir s-^sufrir.
Guests ai;e^not a^. serviceable, as are one's fingers.
5737. 6Bjr&) s^jr&i ^@€P SLi^ev er^esr ^(gii ?
If the finger swell to the si»e of a rice mortar, how large will tw
mortkr be when that swells !
5738. eQjreo Quirsir^ ^i^^^sv ^jr&> Quiruyrrf
Can a mortar pass t^hrQugh an opening which, is. not laige enonpt
to admijb ^ finger I
TAMIL PROVERBS. 537
5739. eS/fl/B/^ e-«v®«w Q^fii^euir Sedir,
There are few on the face of the wide world who are wise.
5740. gBo^jp ek,pBi eui^ 0<aFi^u9e\) ^€S)Lpaje\)fn£irr ?
Anxious for fame, may one crawl under bushes I
5741. Q9(5^<i(?<5B/r (?61/zl«DL_ ^®Sp^ ?
What, hunting, to acquire fame T
5742. eQ(T^^^frdF€\)iii Quir^ei ^jriLuireuih Quir(^Lb,
Pilgrimage to Yirutt&chalam will expiate great sins.
5743. €Q(/^fB^ ^lLQu ues)^ QftQSp^,
Seeking enemies by means of hospitality.
5744. eQ(/^fB^(ov\)rrirdi(^ ^^Ssol/ QufTQ^i^tu ^o^^sld.
The inhospitable are destitute of agreeable manners.
5745. gQq^ib^ ^e^eoir^ Q^rrjp/ u^q^m^^
Food without hospitality is medicine.
5746^ eSt(7j^f6€in^u UGssresSu Quirq^ik^u uem^u*
Win your enemy by hospitality.
5747. e9(r^fB^iii ubq^iB^u^ nz^jp^ Qurr(Lp^,
Hospitality and mediciue must be confined to three days.
Can that which is unattainable by ambition, be attained by mere
boasting ?
^749. eSenrr ^&rjpi Quiri^^ Sresitr e^&srjp/ (Tp2sfT<i(^LDfr ?
Will the bottle gourd spring up when a different seed is sown I
Do not fret about disagreeables that cannot be averted.
Xik^e. being put in the stocks after liberation from chains.
538 utfiQimrifi,
5752, eflSso LLstL(^ ^tP(S ^^ (pLoeafl LS^i(^^€\),
It befits a harlot to make her person shine.
5753. a9«^ ^tf.ujrr&) s'lrmir^^ aeo j^i^iurreo <3'fr(^wfr?
Will that which resisted the strpke of a bow, die by the pelting of
stones !
5754. <oS6\) ^eve\)rr^6uesr ^LbLf Q^Qeutr&sr ^m ?
Why should a man without a bow seek arrows I
5755. sB€\)e\)ihQufr Q^fre\)6\)ijb(ou/r ?
Is it an arrow or sarcasm ?
5756. 6i9svjj2f<i (^isSiuir^ <sTiu^irco, 6Qe\)str^ erQir^^ uszodP.
Jf you shoot an arrow when the bow is not sufficiently bent, tbe
enemy will not retreat.
5757. e9(S0^^(^ eQ^iuAr uif}i(^ /^(geveJr.
In archery Vijaya, in horsemanship Nakula.
5758 eQs\) 6uSsfr/B/3Sfr€\) Qu^ir^w fBQhLD,
The bending of a bow is dangerous.
5759. eSeveuuuifiih ^(skurr/r i9^^ih (Surrss, ueisrihuipth jQeiu^^
They eat vilvam fruit to remove biliousness, and palmyrah finite
appease hunger.
It is the excellence of discretion to avoid indiscretion.
5761. eQtp^dc^ §)&np^jS iSir,
Water drawn for eoarse grass.
5762, eSiP^^eum sm^ iBtr^^&sr^ ^miS^sreuek a^jpt suir*^
The calf of the man who watched is a female ; that of him who
slept is a male.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 539
5763. €Q(ipSp <»Q//fl(?6U 6S)« eneuuuir&ir ^ek ?
Why put your hand on a tottering wall ?
5764. eQQpEiSssr jra^Cb euuSpjSle\> ^i^^Si»
Swallowed mercury will not remain in the stomach.
5765. e9(ipiBfl tSeJrSsrrewiLf 6r®<s5« Qibjtu^ ^ebSso.
No time to lift up the child that has fallen down.
5766. dSQ^k^ir^Ui LSs9)<yu9so LDessr jj^lLi— eflsvSso er&srQQifm,
Though he has fallen down, he says that his mustache is not soiled
with dust.
5767. efi?6»'«i^to/r/Djy«;gL!/ uiLQ^ ^^<sFLDrr ?
What, a silk tassel for a broom ?
5768. Q96w<iO<fl56wr06wraj<i(g« Q&Ql^ ^eQjrtj i9etrSotr iSesiLpuu^
The child did not survive, — it was only waste of oil.
Though one roll himself in sand, after applying oil to his body, he
cannot make a larger quantity of sand adhere to his body.
5770. afleyriOiSewrOfiwruJ/rzi ^Ssosi(^ er&isrQessnu,
It is said that what he uses for the head is lamp-oil.
5771. eQeiriesi^u iSi^^^iQ^irGssr® Sl€ssrp;Ss\) eS(LpSlp^fr ?
What, falling into a well with a lighted lamp in the hand I
5772. eQerrdS&Dsi Q6S/r(&f^^^d SCSip eiDSULiumr e^essrCoL^fr ?
Does any one place a lighted lamp on the floor P
5773. eSetr^BesiS €>5)6U^^mGl^iTGssr(Sl QfB(r^LJLj^c^ ^^Sp^(Suir<oV,
Like wandering abroad for fire, while there is a lighted lamp in
the house.
5774. ^Benir^ ^srf?<i^ ^sh^uuiLl^ ^iLtf.eo(Suire\),
Like a grass-hopper fascinated by a lighted lamp.
540 u LpQ LDtr i^,
5775. tBerriEJdBfr LbemL^iueir tQpr^ir^u Quir^e^ fiff/og Qesiufi/Bn
If a simpleton go for firewood, though it be found, a creeper to. bind
it into a bundle will not be found.
5776. eQ^iufTiKBu tBetrlBW G9«^^^«(g ^^^^^,
A playful child will not fear venomous reptiles.
bin . ^SefnufrLLL-,fnu ^Q^fs^^ tB&snu/Ttu Qpt^/ifl^'
Originating in playfulness it ended seriously.
5778. eO^iufTLLQu U€ssn-.LD effQ eui^ CS^jnr^.
Things prepared by playful children never come home.
5779. eSSsntLiLD uu9ir (ipSoau9(Se\) O^sfiiLiih.
The future crop is known in the germ.
5780- «9/D(g aL-®^^frjr^i(^ tBfr6<Dfr w/euiL «^©*^ §J(5 ueasriii tBp
If a crane cross a firewood man from lefb to right, what he sells
ordinarily for a fanam, will fetch a fanam and a quarter.
If a crow fly on the right of one going out of his hoiuei he b
sure to meet with succeas. If on the left, he will not obtain what be
seeks.
5781. ^PCS (S^iretssreoir^^w Q^bq^ulju upQff^n?
Will firewood not ignite, because crooked I
5782- ^pp (QGssTSfnL^m(^Lj L^eo QuiT®ekttr&sr ©-cir ?
Why feed a bullock after it is sold T
5783. eS^ssr^siireoui eunF^La ^ireoijby LbSoff eut^iLjui Q^fiiu/r^,
When times are ioauspicious, one does not know his way home.
5784. eBSssr eQetn^^^euGir eBSssr ^^vuuirar ^Sssr tQsn^^fi^^
He who sows actions will reap actions, he that sows miUet will
reap millet.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 541
5785. ^^AssQldit ^imQibfr ?
Is it the effect of swelling or of sleep ?
5786. 6j5*««ii ^6sarL-treo ^i^ubfrub^
Swelling is followed by languor.
5787. 6ffiEjds^i(^ tB&^ih ^Q^LD.
Looking at the swelling, the inflammation is excessive.
5788. sff'^th ^^^^ g^ /B/r<^(i,
The payment of a sixteenth is a loss to a family.
5789. "sff*^ mi—ik^fTeo OojeltreS eS^<3Fih (g^D/Doyii,
Silver ornaments are injured by swinging the arms when walking.
5790. eff^sr ermqrf^ir^ «9®(?€W(g), (sffir Lf^^sr ^ihu€\)a/nnr ?
Thou son of the violent Ambalak&ran^ shall I let thee go because
thou squeakest T
5791. G^® ^(sm&'iuirLbeo ^Gsr^ih tufrdair ^en^ib^ P6ir,gj2/<i.
A house consumes standing still, an elephant when moving.
5792. effQ erevevfrih (g(5®, enir^e^ ereoev/rih Sessrj^if,
The inmates of the house are all blind, and there are wells all over
the yard.
5793. eff*® ^lLQ@p^j '^fi^, eff^Q jDfL^iSp^ er&f^^.
To build a house is difficult, to destroy one is easy.
Before building a house dig a well.
Id a Sanscrit work on architecture I saw some years ago, the ad-
vice here expressed is given as the first thing to be attended to, when
selecting a site for a house.
1795. eff® fiSq^Qeuirm Qm^ih ^Q^QeurrGfr,
He who gives a house may jgite more than that.
642 utfiQiLfTifi.
5796. off*® i8<s5)pfBfl eQerrii^u^/rj^^
A hopse full of brooms.
5797. €ff(S (SufT er&rSp^y^ff® eutr ereirSp^,
The homestead says go, the place of cremation says come,
5798. ^® Oeu£)t eff® (Seu^^ir jf/^ds/rjrih.
His house is empty, but he acts as if he were the chief of Velloift
One of the Nabob's palaces was at Yellore.
5799. 6^® Qeuj^effL-iTiu ^q^/b/sit^ld u^gsSiuld <QT(Lp ^siir.
Although his house is empty, he is the manager of sevoQ villages.
5800' effiLi^ev ^ifi(^ QsuLbLj ^i^iuir(^LD,
The shade of a margosa tree is good for a house.
He who is not obedient in the house will obey in the village.
5802. effiKSlisQ^inih f5frLLQd5(^ aL.«o/r(?(L/«u,
Bo not make known abroad the affairs of the homestead.
5803, effL^(Si^(^ ^(fFfi^ireo Qsuessr&eou Quessn^iriLif., q?l.8*5
If in the house ghe is bell-metal wife, if she goes abroad, she is*
slumbering wife.
5804, q5^^®<»^(5 ^^^/»«/ri^ii) Qu/fluj (^Lf-,
A large family gives beauty to a house.
5805, QS*LL®<i(^<5P Q^irp^i(^ ^coSso Seu&sr ^fSeuir&sr^ iBfTL-Sl^'S^
Siva knows tbati have no rice at home, yet am.I.not r^ardeu.
abroad as a wealthy person T
A.lig:hted hmy gives beauty to a house.
TAMIL PROVERBS. ^^^
5807. 63'iLQ'i(^ effQ u^em ^(SlULi^^irosr,
An eaxthen hearth is the rule in all houses.
5808. 6^LL®«(g ^SVlEld^fTjTLD Uidsat lU IT GfT ,
A wife gives beauty to a house.
5809. 6fftl.®<i(^ ^eviEJSfrjrth Qeuetriressr^Lo,
Grain gives beauty to a house.
5810. effiL®^ Q^ioeuih LLir(Sly Q^frtLL.^ Q^^eveuw Qpnf^iEis^mm<£mu ,
A cow is house- wealth, and murungai fruit is garden-wealth.
5811. 6^zl^®<F Q^trpesyp^^&srjpj effem ^eifreiSiL^^r^u QurreuirQesreisr?
Why go and quarrel causelessly when eating your own rice ?
5812. cffLLQ^s" Qifirpesypu Qufrt-Q effem- Qu^^s (SmtLufrQeisrm ?
Having given his own rice why should one hear abuse T
5813. eS^iLQu uiTu^Lj mn'.iL(Bi(^Lj Quir^e^ ^^eqiD afriL(Su urnhLf
If. a tamed snake go to the jungle, it will become a wild one.
5814. effiLQ (o6u3so Qeu&fl QeuSso urrir^^m arriLQ (S€u2eOii(^i stL
After finishing bousa work and out door werk, one should go to that
of the jungle with due preparation.
5815. effiLSlu i9fffr^iLiih Qeu&flu t9efr3sinLf,th ^Q/i^ujjr^iJ^ ^jS^ufr^^
Children iii one's owa iouse and strange children make ao difference.
The house-goddess of misfortune, and.one of the wilds are walking,
together,
jt-Sl?"^ effiLQdir^u Lj^ifi^SQiuir iBin_(B^(^u L]^ifi<3F&Quir ? ■
Is it. fame to a family or to the country T
1*8.18; e^L-.(tHsmfliuth UfTjrn-^eu^ /sinLQi. <9Sfnfiiuui u/nTuufr^ ?
Will he who cannot manage his oivn household affairs, attend to thft.,:
ma-uagement of 'a country; ?
544 utfiQu^ir^.
5819. ^LL,(Sli^frlD erGsrj[ii QuGssr^iT^i(^u Quajr,
Another name for a wife is the mistress of the hotise.
5820. efftL®^(&j sffjr&sr smL®i(^i keamm^
At home, a hero, abroad, a coward.
5821. ^tlQi^ rf® (STp/i- effQ ^^tr^.
The door-ways of opposite houses must not he over against eai
other.
A lamp lit in a houeie for the iikmates may answer for a feast.
5823. €fftL®s(^ cufTiu^js^ OT(5«DLD> QmiLQii^ eumu^^^ Quii(.
A buffaloa makes a house prosper, it corn-stack makes high grouul
conspicuous.
One step as an ^entrance to the house, and one key to a lock.
The wife is a margosa tree, the mistress sugar-cane.
Like building a house, and allowing a monkey to dwell thereiii'
5827. e?/1.65)£— « arr/i^ ^Q5^> ^^i^^^^^u utri^^ J^Q^eir,
"Watch your house, and manage your affairs.
5828. €CfiLes)u.i siLtf-U urrir^ seQtuiresarLD Q&dj^ uirHr,
Enjoy the convenience of a houftie after building it, and the hapP"
ness of the conjugal state, after marryibg a wife.
^/B^ uetzrui eruuif. cv^ii) f
Although he may pull down his hou^e and use it fot firewood, *
notorious idler can never get &yt fanams T
TAMIL PHOYBBBS. 545
'&830. efftLGfU^si mir^fl mtritiLD, sfriLent^i strfl/S fsfliLjUi, eff^mr Quit
The expei^tations of a dog in ^ house, and a fox in the jungle are
not Tain.
5831. eS^iLesii^m stLif. ^lLcwl-l; QuirQ^
Build the house, and then tile it.
5832. effiLesiL^i siLQ, ^svs\)^ airiL&DLL m^tfi.
Either build the house, or destroy the jungle*
'5833. effiLesiu. ^eir ^tf^^^nrdj ^iLetnu-Uj^^Qs^u uajijg f
Why pull down the hou8e> for fear of bugs ?
•58 34* effiLesiu. €T6\)G{)irih Q€^eve\)^^/b(^ LoirjS^eir,
He gave the whole house in exchange fo^ sugar.
5^835. effessr^^ds^i^ Q^iu^^ &r^e\)frm eff^ih, aL^ps^iru9e\) ^it^hlq
Favours shewn to the worthless are vain, they are like writing on
the sand of the sea-shore.
»
There are plenty of pans uselessly broken, I have scarcely ever seen
my head adorned with jewels.
5837. 6j5*^GV«(g p^emtpiSpeum lapgaareir.
He who labours for no purpose is a fool.
5838. eS^essT ^/po/-<*@ ^^^ ^if-^Slp^fr ?
Am I to smite m}'^ breast on account of the deatll Of a stranger T
Quit®.
Build a house for the use of a stranger, and put up a pandal for the
iMuae purpose.
35
546 utpQiairifi:
5840. eS'vssr. eSuiF/S/iflfrio Quenfliuir effeioT 0<^6Ua/ O^iutu c-z-ar
Fools are extravagant through xxiere p^ryersen^ss..
5841. effiDLfs, (^u^uiSfO, eBSsfriLffh sffessr Q^tf.,
A useless shrub growing on a rubbish-heap ,of ostentation^
5842. eS^thi-ji^ CSeuL^ih Q^iretreirirQ^^
Hq not. assume a.garb for mere show.
5843. ^LbLf QuarSpeum j^ifieurr^, efffiouth (Sus^Sp^eifr d9(j^6wm;
A- boaster will be ruined, he who talks as a hero will fall.
5844. effjrth (Su&sQeBiTessr(Bl (STQ^m^ _Q&'SU^<^ .Qi^tLQih ^errio^^^
May a soldier who defiantly rose to the combat, retreat in sigbt of
the battle field ? ' ^
5845. ePjreir (S<S€ik(m)LCi m^ir j^u:iU/r(^LD,
The frieudship of a hero, is a sharp arrow..
5846.- effffinth QuidQ^rr ^itiBujld QuS'CS^ir ? ,
Which is the greater boasting or acting ? >
5847. QsuEJ^essrSsfsr .€iJfriEJ(^ e_6ir semSssvji O'Srr®^^,,
Give your eyes in exchange for white-eyed fiiih.,
5818. Qw(^^€sr eitiTdsSiULD sir^^Qj^iUih,
The sayings of the many ^involve duty.
5849. Q<aua'QiS'€sreijS(^ ^m/iS QwessrOemtu s_(5^gu5^.^*
Can butter be melted without heat T
58i0. QeuL-^th QmiLi^ir^ua^ QesL^iLQu^, Q-^iruSfnunQsv gji-L,^^-
It matters little if his honour is at stake,it is enough if his p<auD<4.
be filled.
J
TAMIL FROVKBTBS; 5*7;
5851. (oteuiLa<ifl>fre\) €^6\)mfr^euerr (^€vetv^if)i(^uj Qurr^trj^,
She who is not restrained by modesty, is not a woman of superior^
birth.
5852. OewLl^ii ^pp Qu4ifri9efrdcrr effmr^
A woman without shame is worthless.
5853* QeuiL^uuQSp .(Sgh&iljld Qsu.L,^ih>, QdEiLu. ^Qfi^irflii^iJo e.^«.
Shame in a prostitute^^and want o£ njiQdQsty in .a .wife, are equally ,
out of place.
5854. QeuiL^Qin Q^iLQ QeueiflLJULLL^ (Lps5sf€t!)L^i(m Qpimtr® ^^?^
What signifies a veil to a widow who goes about without shame I '
5855. G^^LL«^^65(g ^^S^reuek €F^<3=jrsi\ Q&'ujeurr^ ,Pi'
Will he who is afraid of disgrace quarrel?
5856. 0«i'LL«^^«(g ^^S&sr6Usir,.aL^eipj6s^ jift^Sreujreifr^-
He that is afraid of disgrace4s afraid of running^into debt.'
5857. QeutLs^eiD^ eQpjp/^i s<ia^^(SeO',Qd5frmrQ(Su/rS(fff>&ir». .
Having sold his sense of. shame, he carries it^ price under his arm..
58^8. (ol6uiLsLD'QaLLu.eiJ^i(^ (Siiissfh ^e\>eo(riii.ju^i^^jefr€ir.
The whole body of the shameless, is dirty..
-•
5859. QeuL-L-u usioiii ^€\)Seo QeuiLi^if^u QofT^ LLS^tJb]^^Sso^
He is too weak to cut, and unwilling to go out,
5860. OeuiLu- Qeu&flu9(o(5V Gnqjo^.ir^&fl 'eQQSp^fr ?^
Woul4 you let loose a friskycalf in an open plflirb? '
5ji6l. G6utLi^i(g ®.6w/D^^ dfl^^«(g^ ^sat^gwf /r ^«^
Like irrigating fpf > no purpose,
5362. QeuiLi^i QmirekrOl^n^ er^Qifp (^^^i Q^frcifrQ6U(mSStmnfif
VlJ^en he is told to reap and bring, he i)0unAs and bjdng|. ..
•S48 uyiO^lr^.
586S. 0€uiLif.Q€ufii\) sBSjoSiqih, ^eo/rLS<a'eifi^ QeuSl&) flLtf-n^iL
Make a £ati of the cuscus root, and a tat of sweet scented grass root
Where the ground is dug water will spring, where a house is built
there will be an entrance.
5865. 0«/lL/^ €r€\)e\)n'iii ^ekr^ir, wsssr siLt^ ete^eoirw ljs^) iBirpi^,
There is wAter all over the path, young grass all over the sod.
5866. QeutLt^QeutLif^u uirrr^^tr^iii QpiLi^i ^S\imirm^fT9a jf^uu
though you may examine by continued digging, you will get onlr
coin of coal in abundance.
5867. Q€utLtf-d5(^u Qupjp/ Q6U(59u9eo erjSHjSBiriraenfr ?
Did they giv^ birth to me in vain, and throw me at a hedge I
5868. QeuiLtf-UJir^th t9GssrQj^ui d5iLi^iQdsir€iff(Sl ^ifiiLQih,
Let th^ Yettiyan and the corpse embrace each other, and weep.
5869. QeuiLi^esr (^err^^^ih ^ekresJrir (^tf-\uir^ miLi^&sr QeiS^'^
It neither drinks in an akrtificial reservoir, nor leaps an 90^
hedg^.
He that ibas bunk a public well has only one, a notorious idler to
many.
5871. OeuiL® ^^jif ff6wrL-£i ^jrm®.
One cat, two slices.
The wicked speak harshly.
6873. QmnLOt^^u QuQ^w.
Do not speak harshly^
TAMIL FHaVEIlBia. &i9)
5874. 0«W6wr««v« <s69)L.tt9«u tu/rSstff L^(^i^^Qujre\3,
Ab an elephant eutered a brasa vessel baz$iar.
5875. Ofi/«wr/L-Sso« SQ^u-ek ew/i^Oto/rg)^ e7;evvf €9>auQuir(f^^Ui
When a brahmany kite crosses. on^/romrigrA^ to fe/?, ha may becom^^
possessed of the wealth of aUL
5876. QektckrOesariueDUJ emisu^^iGssfrGk^® Q/Biui(^ ^ip€^!n^ir ?•
Having butter, would yon: weep for gheeT
5&77. QciieisrQessrdj ^ jr (Cfr^S pQ u ir ^ fi^ifi e^esiU-ififrpQuireQ.
As the churn broke j ust as the batter was, formiag.
5878. Qeuei^QcisfftJU ^^(7^6Sf^SpfiP(^€ff(2en' QusmSssi^ /Smf)
esJfif euQ^Sp^,
Ere butter can melt, freshes a)»pear in, the^ PMnar.
5879. Qmi^ Q^npesip^ ^&sr^ e^m^^ ereoe^frih i9flpjpfM(ff,^^
He eats his; rice,, and talks at random*
5880. Qeu/b^ Q&^irpenp^ ^eir^ efl^ eum^eo ^irSp^^h.
Eating one's rice, and dyiu^ when the tinae comes.
5881. QeuiB^^QufT^iii (ifiekQy.3ssru9CDeo O^/tlL®.
It is boiled enough, put it ioto the end of my clothe
5882. Qeuf6<ses}jSBu Quit® Qp^Qjf^^iBQeo^
Put what is boiled into my clothe
5883* Qeu/k^ Lfessr eQ^etsr Q^djuj/r^»,
No evil consequences can arise from a burn,
5884. QeU/B/StUJIi ^^'- ^fSikr^ ^fsQ^^LKi ^^&0.
A curry with vendayam in it needss not be^ questioned:
5885. 06i//5^ujzi QufTi_tr^ ^pliLith ajS ^s\)ev, ^ies>/s ^eoe^ir^ timm
A curry made without vendayam-IVigroneZicit Fosnum Orcecum-i^
not a curry, a village without a market is not a village.
'590 'utfi^uiirfi.
5886. Qau/B^ired Qfiflu^Lo QeuiisirojCb iUGPtruLf^
The flavour of an onion will be known after it is boiled.
5887. 0(au/6iSffi<Se\) fifi^S Qeu^u^ir ?
Can a house be burnt down with hot water /
5888. OeuiiiuSeSiQeo (SumLL^fr^th ^eojrfr&fn, fiemss^XiQeo QuftuLj
'He' will not dry in* the sunshine, nor dissolve in water.
5889. OeniuQojir&sr Q€uu9e\) Qp^ <si^f\ ^uldQuitso.
Like a burning lamp in sunshine.
I... hi
&890. Oa/«V0VL/ U(^L^ ^evSstt, ^asresru u^l^ s_«wr®.
No army to conquer, though there are enough to consume.
As' the ants swarmed on a pot of sugar.
•'■ ■• ■.^^■—
As the 'dies swarmed on a pot of sugar.
One eats the sugar/anotherlioks his fingers.*
5894. Q^^€Ou Qunr^&sr ^(75 Qi^eveouiSieirSsn' QtLe&eou (Suff^^
•A pet child went to conquer, a flat-headed fellow foUmved to»
slowly.
Your army will not conquer, nor* ven oppose Pandya.
5896. Oeuoifl^s-ii) ®(56yr ^g)sv ^(geir <5T6sr&ireui[ih^ Oi/juj^®^**
.If light become darkness, what will the darkness be ; if a wi<c
iman becomes wicked, what a. great fool he wiUie?
TAMIL PEtfVEBBS. 55^1
5897, 0(3i/6rfl«^^/r ^iL^mtrs sitiLQcd aem^tf^.
The exterior is the mirror of ihe icterior*
5898. Q^asfK^^^ 6r<s\)svn'tii uirev sj^^^^ (sreoeoiru^ ^essTfoSfSfir,
Every thing white is milk, and every thing black is water.
5899. Q<su(&^^^ eQilL^fr^LD ^ifl <mihihfr ^iLl^it&^ld <y/n.
It will be all the same whether ho is punished or let go.
The flood inclines to a hollow, fate follows the iutentibn.
One should raise the dam before ihe flood comes.
6902. QeuefremSaiSfnLJ eQpp ULLi^essrih,
The city where cucumbers were sold.
It is Said that the tiger is fallen down and crying forgiief because
the goat was wet.
5904. QeucrrerrfrQ (^e^tp ^mp^QufT^,
As the goat crops leaves.
5 905. OeuerrerrfrLLi^^C^i^ ^ekesr^tD extifl/rev ^(mii^ eSl(Lpi^ ^li
If a servant girl, be possessed of a devil, all must fall down before
her.
iay
)906. QsuenerrfTL^iyL. Qupp t9fftrSsfr 69if.ajp^fre\)ih Q^^^u QuirS
The child brought forth by a servant girl, died at sunrise.
907, QeuerretTn-tLi^iL^Lb Queirri^nrL-i^iLiLD ^SFiBaj/r ?
Are a maid servant and a wife, on an equality I
552 u ifiQ u^rrifi,
5908, Qeu&reiTfreireir inirQu. injTLf meaeiriir ^q^iLQi— ^(miLQ,
Of all ranks that of the Yellala is foremost, of thefts that of the
Kallar is notorious.
5909* Qeumetriren&sr QsQisireQiLi^fr^in Qeij&r(Ssir/r2so Qa(ili(^ui,
If the Vellala did not procure your ruin, his. white olas will
destroy ypu.
•T!
5910. 0«/ err 6ir/r err eir tB §^i(^LjuessTGiJii^ QsLLi^rreiry <?q/S <F(65«giJf
uesoretsSjii Q^tLL^iretr,
The Vellala vas ru^iued by adornment^ the harlot by finery.
5911. QsuGirefTiTStrm Sjri^QpLD uniruutr&sr fiiSiQ^u^ eQipe^) eQipQw.
The Sanscrit of a, Yellal^ and the Tamil of a brahman^ are equftlly
faulty.
5912* Oeuerremrerrir Q^djojir^ QsueatTessresiU^ CSeueirireifTsnm ji/eoso.
Agriculture not performed by YeUalas, is no agriculture,,
5913. Qeuaretrfreffir @9-<s5(5 ^0 s&retriretrir (59-.
A KalMla family iu a YelWa house.
5914. Ofiwerrerfl^^g er^Qir, Quir^^Lb, QeuefreiT,iretr^i(^ €r^^^
One may go before an evil stav^ but not before a Yellatan.
5915. Qtu&re(Bi(^LJ Qu/tlLl^jpild O&tretre^i^u QuirtLi^^LD ^^'
Money laid out on silver ornaments^ and that spent for fire^ooa
are equally a loss,
5916. Qeaefrefl QuitiLl^ sir^i(^ Qeujpiiisfreo jifi^esitDiufr t
Is a naked foot^. the slare of a foot wearing silver ornaments ?
5917. Qsu&reS eutLtf-^^ QeueSsr^LD 6Q&fliin9(S€\) Quir^ir^^d^ Q^^
Slo.
I must have a ailyer platter with a i;im of gold.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 553
5918. O€W6JrO«r0«(5«(g£i Q6ii&retTinL(Bu ur^i^tJa aeneni ^q^
The disease which blackens the skin, will be thoroughly cured by
the white species of erukku and goats milk.
5919. Q€uen^ Qds/r(SlM sBSssr ^(f^ih.
One's sins will be expiated by giving cloth to the destitute.
5920. (oleu6rr2sfri(^i dserremh ^suSso.
White is faultless.
5921. 0«J6JrSwr«(g ^eo2si> s&r<siT^ Sies)^,
The out-spoken are free from deceit.
5922. G)«/^/B/«D<a5^ ^iLL-.frdT ^q^l^lj ^m^<aF Qa^^^irm,
A money-less goldsmith died by blowing iron.
5923. Qs^fS^iTirGsr (^Lf.es)iu §9i—rr^ eS^Gssr i^^^m^irsrsisr uT6U^^<ir^
A drunkard will not forsake drinking, a fool is not afraid of evil
deeds.
5924. G&jjiSQsfrGifrL^ tUfrSsRir lS^ib^ ^if^S(ffLj(oUfr(S€V,
As an elephant in rut wanders about uny^eatrainecL
5925. OeufiliSiL® j^^Qaj&),
Squander not by drinking.
A dog which goes alone to the market, will be beaten with the steel-
yard.
5927. OcJ/^ti 65)« QpifiLD Quit® WIT ?
Can the arm measure a cubit, when there is nothing to be measured I
5928. Oew^zi ^lLi^ fiB[reffiiS(f}fGsr^
He flavours an empty chatty.
554? u jfiQ LbfT tfi>
5929. Oa/^Lo L/sifl ^mQrfiso up ak^aiib.
Tamarinds if eaten alone, will set the teeth on edge.
5930. Qeu^th u/rSssruS&i ff Lj^^i^^Qutr^^
As flies entered an empty pot.
5931* Qeujrjjth uaj^<S(^ ^pp ^((jfuLj.
Arrogance suited to one's worthlessnees.
Finery borrowed from a washerman.
5933. Qeuj^eufnu<s(^ ^SsoQ-^iLL^eveir ^p(mi(^Lj Quir^e^ ^P(3
Sewz—OJ/r^,
If a worthless fool go out to gather firewood, he cannot procure a
creeper, when he gets a creeper, he can find no firewood.
593 4« Qeiij^eDiTiu Oibiii^Qp ^Lbss)mujfr(n^i(^ fsffifi ^6ue\) ^^uuL
As a measure of bruised dried rice given to an old dame, who had
nothing to chew but an empty mouth.
5935. Qeuj^ eufr&niu^ Qeirp^£^^(m QeueifrSsir j^j&je) Sf9>L^^^ji
Qufr<5\),
As one who had nothing to eat but an empty mouth obtained
bruised rice.
5936. OeuptSl Quppeueir si^p effir^.
He who has conquered is a perfect hero.
Like water to the betel creeper, and safiron to a prostitute.
5938. Qeup/6ldso(oufre\) ^(^^(^ii iBr^m^ injrib ^S aff®ii l/^^ tt.&r
Its leaf is like betel leaf, it grows to a large tree, this intelligent
tree has two flowers.
TAMIL PROVEBBS. 565
5939. (?ai«^^^ fBirjifii§9^LL s-€wr®.
Of speed there are four kinds.
Eaving been patient till the food was boiled, can you not wait till
it cools I
5941. (ooumir^ off^LLtf-CO Coeu(^th ^iLissiu. sfTLDLa,
Lust is a burning block of wood in a house, not on fire.
There are two guests for the insufficiently boiled rice.
5943. QeuSp eff^iLi^eo i9(SliEi(^Sp^ e\)fruLD,
Whatever is snatched from a burning house is an advantage.
5944. (SeuSp ^LL(dd(^ OeuiL®Sp Seosrj^,
To dig a well to put out a house on fire.
5945. QeuSp 6ff'LLif-p(^^ ^esstir^u ufr,TLJurrir s^ernQt^fr ?
Are there any who waste time in casting up the cost of a house
when it is on fire ?
Will not men extinguish the fire, when a house is on a blaze ?
5947. QeuS s^psij dBrr&^ih L/6wr^^®jj2//5^/r63r.
The friendship of a prostitute is in the money she gets.
5948. (SeuQ ^irdh up/uufrerr,
A prostitute knows how to deprive one of his money.
5949. (oSuSiU0ih fSfTtLiih eQ^j^so meu^^iuqi^Lb ufr<3Fih ^pj^ iSp
u^ sokfTUfr/r,
See how harlots, dogs, and physicians, are at variance.
556 utfiQiLiTL^.
5950. QeuL^isirF^^i^tii ^L^i^/rjr^ir^ih ugds^ (?fiufi«^ti) ^ir9
Enmity exists among dancing masters and among harlots.
5951. QeuL^isirjnr (SeuL-Lb «flL_/L_^, ^t^i^irwir ^L^th eQL-L-fr,
Thou hypocrite, quit thine hypocrisy, thou boatman, steer the boit'
5952. (?a/t-^^«v /5/rjj2f eS^Lb i^€m(S.
Of disguises there are four kinds.
5953. QeuL-i^^e» €Tm€sr^ Oeuessrss^p^sS^c^ er&fresr ?
What avail special forms, what avails white ashes T
5954. (SeaL^QLLfT ^euQenL^Cn LDSsr^Qevfr ^euQeuL^ih,
In appearance an ascetic, at heart a cheat.
5955. QeuL^LD ^€irjpi ©ygjode.
There are three forms of disguise.
5956. Qeut^ui ^ifiih^^SuiTLD,
Disguiises will perish.
5957. QsuL^Ln 3h^L^(y^>ih Qds/refreiTfr^,
His pretence is such that a room cannot contain it.
5958. CoeiJL,Q^S(^ ^Q^GnLDUjrresr (?q/l1«dl-. Qp^eo QeutLesiL^,
Foresters' favourite sport is bare hunting.
5959. (ooJL-Q^d^ (o^(ak Uf^^LniT, QpL^(T]ji(^ -1^9- u^rmrr f
Is honey rare among foresters, or chastisement to foola I
5960. Ga/i-T ^svei>/r ssLifls\) luirsifih (g/jL ^(5«@ii.
In a village where there are no hunters, all kinds of beasts may
found.
5961, (oeuL-iTssifls\> LL^sdCSmiL—dr 6fl(?<F6^/i.
Of hunters those that inhabit hill tracts, are the most distingaub<
5962, (2euu.ir 6w«5«9€b j^^uuiLi-. Q^&sf m^^(BiQunid,
As a bee-hive in the hands a forester.
TAMIL PROVERBS. 557
5963. (?o;L.c3)£-. ^if-^ Sii^ih ^esr^ih.
The lion lives by hunting.
5964. QeuiLesit^iQio Ouiffiu (SeuiLanL. usk/S (SeuiLenu.,
Hog-hunting is the most excitinp^ of sports.
5965. (?«/LL6B>L_tt96V i9PiiuLDfresr (?«wl1«dl- ©««/r/f? QeutLemL,,
The most favourite of sports is that of the huntsman.
5966. QeuGssri^ir^ QueisTL^iriLLf.{B^ esi^uiLL^irjb ^jbpth «/rtfU ulL
i^rrp (^/bpih.
A wife not liked offends, whether she touches with the hand, or
with the foot.
5967. Qeueian^tr^ Qu(i^i(^ ffi^ eVGn'&sr, Qqj2sou9€\) ^pjpi^fBGstsr^
What is the good of giving to those who are not in want, and what
id the good of a river flowing where work is being done ?
Do not act from selfish motives.
5969. (SeueAfTif. (Seuemtf.^ Q^frQji^fr^LL Qeuessrt^trui et&trqffpQuirvo,
Like refusing t« accept a tiling when requested again and again.
5970. (SeuGssrQQub^Qyeo effQ Qeuisi^L-fnh creJrgp^ «/r®j
Domestic or ascetic life just as he pleases.
If one spins for her own benefit, the thread is as smooth as butter.
Of Yedas there are four kinds.
The Tedas are opposed to idolatry.
The old man that knoVs not the Yedas; is worthless.
558 UffiQinfTL^,
5975. Qeu^^^/b,;^ c.6U«ii u«d« ^ed^fli^p^ ^irestLD ugo«.
The world is at enmity with the Vedas, and wisdom with the
world.
5976. (Seuflth ^fini^ ^^^ Qutr^sir Q^Gnpesyub,
It is the duty of religious teachers to study the Vedas before
teaching them.
5977. (Seu^th Qupnu^^ir^u^ eStuirifiw Ourruiiujfr^,
Though the Vedas may fail, Jupiter will never fail.
5978. (Seu^LD Q^iLi^euGfTifT (Seu^ih QmiLt^eunr €rmuirar ^Gsr ?
Why call those V^diar, who have heard the Vedas i
5979. QeufiLD €T^ fB/r^ih ^esr eB^^frjr^ aerrerr^i^ ?
What need has a widely known hypocrite of the . Vedas or the
special forms of worship ?
5980. Qeu^tD ^^^ L^fiB^jfm,
A friend whose conduct is consistent with Jhe. precepts of the
Vedas.
5981. Qeu^Lb ^^fu (o€U^iuir6S(^ ^nr mets^ip.
One rain (in a month) for the brahmans that expound the V^das.
5982. Qeu^iTjr€sSiU^^eo uirihLj dst^^Sp^ih ^euSso, Qeu^rrffot^.^
At Vddaranyam snakes do not bite, nor do they cease to abouni.
598.3, Qeu^ujirsf^ ^!fi,(S ^^t^Qp'^^Q^^^Qfi^.
The Vedas and rirtue, form the beauty of the brahmans.,
?5984. (S6u^uJ!rd5(^ ^(fi(3 (oeuflth ^^^s\).
It is theoflBce of bral^mans to expound the Vedas.,,
5985. (sGsi^^w UfrihLfUi ^pfi;
A. kipg and a snake, are alike.
5986. (Seuifism 9fSeo ^k^d^ ®^SiO^
No help if the king is jmgry.
TAMIL PBOVERBS. Bd9
5987. (SieiJuQuGifrQeiariifth ^u^^i(^ ^fie^u>.
Even margosa oil will avail on an emergengy.
598S. QeuuQueisrOmxfriu ^pp a/rsf- s^i^^Lbir ?.
Will the money obtained by the sale of margosa oil be bitter I
5989.^ Qe^iuQussstQcssnu 6B(^/s^ erGforQessruj jy«V6V^ u^Q^i^ erekr
Hargosa oil is not used in entertainments; it is medicinal.
Will the bitterness of margosa be removed, by infusing honey
into it I ^
5^91. QeuijbLiLb SQRU^uir^Q^ Qeii,ppl2eOiLjtn- ib^^it^Q^,
The margosa has become sugar-cane^ and betel has become poison^
5992. (?«//iL/«(gLy ue\) -^t^®^ (o6U^<ir^LJ uso ^^(^ld.
When cleaned with a margosa stick the teeth look beautiful, when
cleajpied with a v^l stick-^cocia arabica-they are made firm.
5993. QeuibLjLb <F/f? QeillBfl^Lb <SFlfl,
The margosa and a king are alika.
5994. (SeULbLjth ^if) UlTLLLjU^ ^iff,
A maro^osa tree and a snake are aTike..
599.5. Qeui£i€S)U eQ(7^uiU eBQ^thuss s(^ldl^.
Constant use makes even margosa sweet.
i996. Geusm/rs asoeQ QeuiiSnr eu/rir^^ ssesi^^
The stojy of digging up a root, and pouring out hot water.
)997, Qeuir aSeafh^ ilstim i96S)ifiuu^ erikiQs ?
How can a tree. deprived of its roots live?
998. (Seujr iS^Qr^eo u^jrih i8p(^L6, eQiurrurrffLa fdslsr(ff€\) Q^FiLtf- Sfi .
urrek.
Trees endure as long as their roots are undecayed, merchants w^l ^
inaintain their social position if their trade continues.;
SCO utfiOu^/rtfi.
5999. (Seuir QpeSetnA^ iLjr^SesiSy sirij (tpsQem*/
Roots, wood, and fruit are all drugs.
6000. Qeue\)i£ijr^^ Qpetr (Sf^ih ^eoinjrfij^i msSiLfCb ^(Sesr&r^
I am become a thort) of the y^l,- A4acia ara&ico-and a fruit of tbe
banyan.
The v^ tree casts no shade, the Yellala has do friendships.
6002. (S^^Lb uiLesiL^ (oLDS^efD^ i§a(^iJo, ^€i>u> uiLeni^ i9jifs^9af
jy 9.65(5 (i.
The bark of the vdl cures venereal heat, that of the banyan removal
bile»
6003. (SeueQ ^^j)ii(^LJ u&sreSjrein® ^eou^ 6Q€9>injufr(S.
Twelve kalams of seed corn for one veli of land.
A veli is nearly equal to five acres.
6004. (SeueQ ^eirjyi^^L/ /vjrSsssr LoirQih, ^jrem® -^^"> Qoim^k
For every veli two yokes of oxen and two ploughmen are reqnireA
6005. Ga/6fl45(5 9^)^ ^fTtLS, Q6u/Bjs^i(^e' 0&=trisGtr 9ifL.S>
!rhe chamelion is the v^itness of the hedge, the cook boy will testf/
to the food being well boiled.
6006. (o€U6Qi(^u QuiTiLi^ Qperr ^fr^i(^ eGSssriuir^^ji^
The thorns collected for a hedge, have proved injurious tb the fe*-
6007. (SeueQ uSesirr QLatui^rreo eQ^eireu^ eruuif.? j
If the hedge consume the crop, how is the harvest to be o
6008. (?«/6Sj^£i mnr^ uso&tr ^eifrQ.
Even a yA tree is useful in four ways.
6009. (oMeQeffyeu^^i mfruuirpQt^fi ^BGtrjpfw ^S»063>tt//4^ ^^^^\
Plants not protected by a hedge> and an oil-ioaongei' Who does
work a press, are out of place.
Tamil peovbbbs. S6l
601O, dfu&o ^pp ^tkuilL^&fr y^&vrcnuju t9i^^^<3F Smir^flir^ih.
It is said that a barber who had nothilig to do, got hold of a cat and
shayed it.
6011. (oAiSbo «iyj9<sLb <FU3uevrii) Qsir^^th,
The laboor is excessive, the pay little.
6012. GfiwSsU g)«)6U/r MDr0«(5 JT/T^T €r€W"^ UfTUiLf ^€i>€\i/r lim(^65^6S
SifiLjt9errdetr ^eir?
What need is there of a king in ft country where there is no work,
ot* of a mongoose where there are no snakes T
pjpi^6iirjr^ljiii(m L^ihuth eT^€sr^^p(^?
Why food to him who does no work, why display to him who livefi
on offal ?
It is said that a barber who had no worii, shaved a sheep.
Why work, why child, why food to those who are destitute of
energy ?
316. Qeii^i3ieiTeSls(^u iSeirSsfrQuied ^irs(^^ QeutLssth Q^iLl^
An idle woman pleads her child in excuse /or her faults, a shameless
woman, her husband.
To a shuffling woman a quarter measure for a meal, to a worthless
block half a measure.
L8. (oeuSeoids&re(fH(^LJ i9mdsfr(oLDQ€\) ^frm(m,
Jl laey woman neglects her work, and lays the blame on Aer child.
36
502 uifiQuhtT' ifl^
6019. (osu2eoisir;fl{uTdj €ui/S€U£rr, 6ff!LLQ.i^fri!fiufr^gv jueit^ jy^ij
If a maid serraat becomes tba miistress of a house, it is her fortum
6020. (?fiy3so««/r/fl er&srjpi QlBumtf^ud^ (SuirsStr Q^L-.u^frirsiefT>, ^W
Many asked her in> vuiniage thinking that she was skilful i
domestic afiairs, but they refused oa the plea that she was \
married girl.
^^^^^K^m
Hire suited to the work». sharpness equal to the desires.
6022. (?ou35\)«(?»/r ^uiUefnJD^ ^■aef^iQmjr ^u^ueirib ?,
Is. the hire for the lis^bour, or the labourer I
6023". Qeu'Sso Q'S'tu^fTfl) 6k.€B y Qeue^Lo QufriLL^irp ^irs?,
M the work, be <:ompleted, hire ; if the character has been.sustaii)^
at fee*
ti' ' 1 ■ I. ii» I
Carry in>arms>the child that doesno-.^Rork, and the child wlw
works, place on your legps.
6025. CJaiSso lSsst^Q^lLl^ j^ihuCL-m>Ou€mi^rrL_i^ ^Ssosifiiuif^^^
Being without work,, the- barber is said; tp have shaved his ^'
head:
It is said that a barber wasted his. time by shaying a kitten.
6027. C?6i/Sfeo Qp^Q<sfr i9efr^ Qp^Q^fr ?
Is the work a pearl, or the- child a pearl ?
6028. (7a/Sso«DttJL/ uirk^^s eni^ QsirQ\
Look at the work before yau pay the hire.
After ascertaining ber domestic skill take agirl ip^i^^rriage, proceeds
to your village taking care not to miss the i;of4t.
6030. (S€U€\) &D6u^^kJ uu9ir' ^i(^(oeitirir^ ^€i>2sii.
No one cultivates ilw v^l-ilbaciaaraMca-tree.
Wlien a monstrous evil betides ^ri«, how can it be removed J'
6032. QeutfifiB^pD^^&fS^Cb Oufl^rri}^ Q/sirekj^vUK
Tb an elephant small o]:]^ects appear g^eat.,
■ ■■■i»»i- — -^ — -
60S3; Qsuifith Qf^miS(^pQuir€^',
tike the tlnmdering of an elephant,'
Speak opportunely/ set out on a journey on an auspicious day.,
6035. (?€wSsyr<i^ j^&nfrd mirar ^vSjrui^ Qufrssr ^f^ia.
Half a cash at a time wiU> in the long ruo, , amount to thousand!
of gold*.
A child who does not help in au emergency is like thefruit of the
screw-pine.
6037. (SeudsfrQujfr ^SfeuQmSstr effili^Qe\yir jif&ff-Qmw-^eixSsOi
The time is unfavourable, at home there is no riee.
6038.V QeuQp eQSssr^ (S^GSim' ^e^^y^eQ^Sft^iutrp^irefr^ Qm^eQ'^i(^u
There is no need of another evil, it is not necessary to^go to the
temple of ihe goddess of misfortune.
' ■ ■ I'p
Excess of heat foretokens a heavy fall of rain, ih€^pre$$nC€ of <l
klu^ attracts a mnltiiude Of people.
B64 atfi^Quiir^.
In the hot season a fan U useful, in prosperous ^times acha-ebow j-
and teak wood.
6041. «Da/ crdfT/D ^Qp^Q^ i3uiu(^w eBSssruiui -®(5*^»
The letter ^^ is both a noun and a verb.
lit ■ t r ■ t7r\
6042. emeumenp^ ^uSeo stq^.
Rise at dawn.
6043. etneus/rSi ibir^Ca ^pfSw ^mesiSn^.
The river is in flood in May.
6044. «oa/(^6Rrr^LD €T&sru^ ^q^ tnir /eajriii^
That which is called Vaikundam is a very great city.
6045. eneu69)S ^pjpi^ fieiirssiff/r (S^aih ^^diJo,
The current in the Yaigai is great.
6046. etneums ^PJl^ Q&iefnsir^^ed ufreoih /BSsOdsQpffi ^^&o.
When the Yaigai is in flood, its Ixidges do not escape uninjiu^
6047. «5)«w«n« ^jM ^iriQjrUQ^esS^^ u^ji^inih.
The Yaigai is smaller than'ibe Tamrayami.
I t
6048. etneuiss^ Q^iflujffLDeo Gneud(S^frp(Suirifl(Ss\) etneuflf^/r^ih.
It is said that he unwittingly placed it in « stack of straw.
6049* €fn6uis^ QfBSiUiruhio etneu/i^eStLQ eu/B/seu&D/r er€\)e\)frui (?
Having inserted it by mistake, may he ask every one that eoiiM*^
by to help h4m out of the straits f
6050. €SieuiQsiiTp^iL(Sli^trjriBn ^ULji(^i miLi^ ^Qf^iruduir^v,
As one embraced a sti^aw carrier and pretended to weep.
rAMIL PRGVBBSS; *6S
6051. €ncudQsirputLL^€9>L^g9e\) aiLif-esr /Bfruj,
A dog tied by a stack of straw.
6052. «no/«(?«/r€U /j^5=u>/r eupL. usr u^^m/r ?-
Which is the more scarce, straw or a barren cow T
6053. €iDeui(Sdsireo ^Gsr^th (^^enir efftLQi ek,Gnire9)iuiLiui i9QiEj(^u3i
A horse which eats stra^w will also pull down the thatch of the
house.
The cow that eats straw gives a small q[uantit^ of milk but it ii^
yery sweet
6055. €2D6i/6B(?<SB/re6 ^GsrSp (g^«D/r«^ (Seusib jy^«LD/r.^'
Ib the horse that feeds on straw uncommonly fleet T
6056. esi€ui(Ssfrp ^rh.€iDrru9£^th eQipp ^h-es>fr Qeu(^ iBfrerr ^(^'^(S'^*
A reed roof lasts longer than a straw roof.
6057. emeu^Q^frp &n.^(ipiJb ^qi^ (?6i/&if«(g a-^ajiiv.
Even old straw may be of uee sometime or other.
■ '■ J- . ■■«.
It is from Vaisyas and Sudras. who must have existed previously, '^^
it noty that Brahmans and Elshatris must have camci
Of the Vaisyas the agriculturists are the chieft
J60» «oa^@/fl eu/Bfieu/rsek ^ihunr erdrj^ ah^uiSt^ QeuemQui,
Those who are attacked with small-pox must call it the goddessi-
\Q\ m ^9)eu^frGf>ir eufrifi€S)€ui(^ih &irrifimfi/r€9)fr^ ^irifissieai^iji^
It will confer on calumniaters prosperity, and reduce the affluent
to poverty.
6062. esyeu^^ir €r&fr(n^s\) ufriruufr^i(^ Quajiir,
The term vaidikar is another name for brahmans.
'HgO^B- €^6ij^^w Oei)^eyrff<su> ^jr^ArQih QeueAfrdlui,
The sacred aad'titeflecuiarare both indispensable.
''^064. etnwjS^tb >€7<sr(jjp«u Q^iueu ^LDOJih,
. . 'Yaidikana^flieaQscthe divino religion.
'-6065. eme^^^th ^uji^ ^/^.
^Arrive ai a knowledge of religion by studious investigation.
*6066. €V)0U^^^ 9-essn^ir^e\) QmiLi^^Ui i^6ssru.mh,
'If its feeing ]^t there be true,'its being lost may also be true.
€067. esy€ij^<SBj^ messfu.^ Q^'frs^eonQ^,
QlqW not'^hat has been kept or what you saw.
Jf the^ hair is left to grow, kudumi, if shaved, bald.
'6069* €fn6u^^iu&fr QuiBCS^fT m/r^^ QufiQ^ff?
Whieh is greater, a physician or a schoolmaster T
€070. «o6W^Puj,ga/«(ga> eu/Tji^i^iD Qu^La §)€\)2eo,
A ^physician and a-schoolinftdter never disagree.
•A .physician is oDiUttieti to all.
€072. &n6u^^aJLD QeuGssTL^irfBirir &.eo.Seo ^«vSso.
There is no one oh earth who does not require the services of »
;j)hysician«
A loquacious doctor is suceeesful.
vWi^Biak
Faith in medicine makes it effectual
TAMIL {PR<JVEIHIS. 567
6075. €9>su^^iUjSfiii^m jy(g^^(?a/6wr®(i, euihusnti^^m ^^^Qeu
6wr®£i>.
(}&« must fear a doctor :as well as « traitor.
6076. ein€u^^aj(Smrr €S)u^^aj(Stnfrf
Is it medical skill or madness ?
6077. esyeu^Qiuek Q^y/rgJrsw^ OTSUev/r/i £L(^ii^,
Whatever a phy-fcician prescribes is a pem-edy.
6078. €(neu^^iu^i(^^ ^m ^eBip^ib usSdmir^rrm,
It is said that a physician cannot *cure biBftself.
6079. ev)€U^^uj&ir ^muu<^ Qutrso,
A physician is like a faAker.
Some will say that a phyfiician is greater than a schoolmaster, and
others, that a teacher is greater than a physician,
6081. €S)eu^^ium uirjrfT^ Q/bitiu ^qf^u^it?
Can a disease be cured without treatmfent I
A doctor's child dies, not by disease, b«t by medicine.
6083. e^€iJ^Qiu^^(m ^tsajT/Tir ojfrsuQ^m SQesrS^ir,
The whole town is frieadly to a physician.
As. regards medical science, surgery — in regard to age, joutli are
preferable.
Physician, heal thyseif.
Every medical practitioner is a physician.
6C8 UtfiQ IL/TL^,
6087. emsu^^ium Qsn-(^<sFLDfrS^ih O^iHajfr^ Quifsefr ^6w2W.
There is none tliat> does not know^ at least, a little of medicine.
6088. ^eu^^iu&sr tUQ^i^^LD e^^munQ^ikQfl /cevii).
Domestic medicine is preferable to that of a physician.
6089. esyeu^^Qiueir Qu&(o^ ll(^ib.^ QufiCSfiir B
WUchi is greater^ a physician, or his. medicine ?
^^ a fourth part of a %uack's pretensions proves to be tvue.
6091. efiw^^aj^i(^ eam^^ «^Q/69r ^?j6(i(oajir(SL^,
Tha malady of a physician cleaves to Mm till deatk
609'2. &fi&i^^mj iSF/ren)Qjrij> ^ir&o^inBaeftei) itf(?<^€^Lb.
Medical sqience is the most important of all sciences.
-
609J. eneu^^^i^.jFekf Qsfr^^i(^u Qu/rtLjUi euSpjpi eueS ^jm @6«3a).
Mis belly-ache is not cuired: even after going on a pilgrimage to
Vaidisvaran*s t^inplo^
6094. es>(SUUJ3B^^ Q^ppeusir Ounkiaj^LB e^ppeu^.
In all Jth^ world,, lie ^fh^ i& sincere, is a friend.
At the anfcled feet of thegivei: of alLgoodis/mmi therefng^of tJ»
T^oi-ldi
6096', ensuujssLb ^lEiLiiD eufreir ^ifiiLfih eue\)e{)euir eti^esriii ^iSfLHrjft.
Earth and heaven< T^iU perish^ but the words of the rnigbky wiB
endure^
pim«»w»wtB»t»p»B.-
All the world do not follow the same course.
6098. e9>€uuja^^ev Oufftiu 0<9'frs\)€\)frfieu&sr Q£\)d60,
There is no one in the world, who has not uttered a fiilsehood.
TAMIL PROVEKBS. 669
6099: €9iemu^,^t&r S^ QeFvbuj^fbisj^,
It is proper to do justice in tli« world.
6100». €ir)€uiu<i^s\) e^ajkiQ^frir &ooir ^frtpiQ^mr ue^ir,
In the world some are high, and manj are low.
* '
6101. €Si€Uiu^^io v^iuHnhQ^irirsr^ ^ssyfr ^rri^i^S/Birn \
In the world the low are the victims of the high.
6102. €tr>€uujji^e\) ^ULjm(^ ^turrjiSesr Quit ^^l^ldlj i ^tb ^LDTjasiSfrT
On earth those who are disappointed of salt will meet with disap-
pointment as regards their body also.
6103\ es>€u\u^^s^ ^^ut9eoeoir^ (SuiTds^ s^i^LdLf ^evSso.
On earth, those who have no salt have no body.
61i04. 6in€uiu/i^&) c>z_tiL/ ^&)eofr^Quirs(^ ^^ULf QeuGssn^fTLD,
Those on earth, who have not a body, have no occasion for salt.
While on. earthii salt, and a body, are indispensable.
Lb ^€0e\)fr-€8'LLi^n'^LD sesrih (oeueiitrQih,
Though destitute of personal beauty, clothing is needful, though
destitute of money reputation is necessary.
! C107. esieuiu^^eo €urripeufriB(^ eutrijpueiteir O^iieu^^m es>ekt<isLju
He who lives as he ought in this world, will be ranked with the
gods.
The great in the world must be distinguished by a h unble mind.
In ail the world none really good^ has been seen.
i70 uifiQut^frt^,
<)ll(). eS)SiHU^^i&) G)/5a)jy/6BQ ^€S>p^^ iSir LJ^^i(^lJb UirtLjLD,
Water drawn for the rice crop, benefits the grass also.
6111. &nsiJUJ^^ev 0/5tfu jy/f?^ (Seu^L^irfiiTQ^Lo ^em(Sy l/^ jy
In the world there are those who do not care for rice, as well as
those who can scarcely procure even the needs of grass.
As a rule one saiva regards himself supdrior to another.
61 13. €v>€UUJ^Qs\) 65)6Ue^635rai,^d5(5 eiD6Uei^6ssTeuesr C?lo6V.
One vaishnava thinks himself superior to another vaishnava.
Gill. €DSuiujiSli\) ^ic^n^Ss^Lb ^irtu e9(?«9*s^ii.
On earth a mother is more serviceable than a father.
While on earth the things which do not cloy, are rice and water.
6116. (S9irouiu^Qe\) me\) eS^Sanrujrrev ^^ff^^ ^eQSsfnujfre}) ^(miLir ?
May that which cannot be accomplished by good deeds, be accom-
plished by evil deeds ?
61 17. ^^^fiJ^^ .LDGsfl^ir iBrr^ euesi^.
There are four kinds of men in the world.
6118' st^suiuLd Q^tTj^iLD Qpojeuin Q^tr^Lp^.
Worship God through all the world.
6119. €S)6uujih (ciTjbjSssr goaj£i ^)^Sso.
When the whole world applauds one, his merit is unquestioDable.
6120. e9)6uajLb ep'i/tir€\) ^jiuth ^ev2eo.
If the world agree, thei^e is no question about the maMer.
6121. Sff)SUUJLb t^<Xjpi^lTG\) ^(ULD ^gvSsV).
W hen the whcle world praise one, his character it unimpeacbable.
J
TAMIL "PROVERBS. 571
6122. «D6W/ULb Quifl^fT^^^LD eUefTLD ^efnoTT ^L-ii 0<35/r@«5^ii.
Though the earth is of vast extent, the space adapted to the wauts
of man is limited.
6123. €9)SiJtULD Qufi^ ^P^ ^(IF^^^QpU^ Quifl^^
The world is great, and its' anxieties are also great.
6124. «o«i/ujii QstLL^freo gtuii ^^Sso,
If the world be destroyed, almsgiving will ceasev
. 7i
€125. «0a;iL/ €9)6iJUJ €!DeUjrdS6SS\)^ ^lLl^^ ^lLi—^ ^6!kfrQ<i<3S3\),
The more abused the more durable, the m<>re despised the more
hardened.
€126. efneujr^^^ etneujnhQ^rr&hfrCoL- juj^^ds (Ssusssr (Si iJo>,
A diamond must be cut with a diamond.
6127. €S)€Ujrui ms5r^s\) enemuirQ^,
Harbour not malice.
6128. €»aj^u) Qsiremu.eum 99)6ujruQu/ri^ ^mjn fSF/rS(n^€k,
He who purchases diamonds will die by swallowing the particles.
6129. GjyeujrfrisQuj «F^«zi ^^^miki^eSey) Q9(?<sF€i/.ii,
The most distinguished of satakams is that on self control.
A satalsam is a ]i06n] of a hnudred stanzas.
Malice is of all forms of hatred the most pernicious.
The abusive have no happiness the forbearing, have no misery.
6132* etDSUirirdS ^peQs&fley) eQQ^iS^m^
Among ascetics the vairavi is the most distinguished.
572 LJtfiQ'u>trifi;^
Qsumr^.
6133. Qeuerreu/r^ir^ ^'0. «6»fl«(5 ,^frj)/ «6»fl m^u.th.
For every fruit coDsiimedby a bat, a. hundred are spoiled.
Trees are the asylum of b«t»; bats, are the refuge of their young.
6135. Qeuetreufr£j;s^(^ erjp ^ifjrLb?
What place is too remote for a bat f
• -
6136. QeuisiTeiifr^6S(^ ^jreSev meifT Q^if^iLjih,
Bats can see in the dark.
6137. 06ijerreuir^i(^ iSerrsijui Q^SiLith (^jpfsenfth QflS^tLjth,
Bats know how to extend or contract the body.
6138. Oeueneuir^so^ ^^(n^^Cn ^esaflSso^ ^m&sred ^sirr^.
Though one may feed on bats, he may not feed on squirrels.
6139. QeuGrreurrSsoi OmtrmQrj>^Lb i9i^eif>uj eQi^rr^.
A bat will not let go its hold though killed.
6110' Oeuerrsufrdsou ulLS eresresrsv/TLDfr ?
May a bat be called a bird f
6141. QeuGtreairQe^iT® ^Gft^fbiSerrSsfr Q&'Q^ubir?
Do squirrels mix themselves with bats !
6142. Qeueire^itQeoir &fSi^ jy/^eir ^tfuCSiurr eueSi^.
Small as the bat is, its stroke is powerful.
6143. Qeuerr&iiTeo J^t^^^^ ^mgpnh, ^eifSeo ^tf.^^^ JS^^^-
Bats devour by striking, squirrels by nibbling.
6l44i Q€ii€rreufre\) jift^iQ^u utuuuL^evirunr f
May one fear the stroke of a bat ?
614.'). Oeuetreuireo ^k^iLi^ih ^h^iLi^u^irs ^0«^ti»
Bats are found in companies.
J
TAMIl ^ROVEBBS.
672
The head of a bj»t resemblies that of a jackal.
6147. Oa/<sF«;/rs» ^eirg)^ dJipclD ^eoSso,
There is no fruit that a bat does not eat.
6148. Q«uerrsufre\) Quire>)^ Q^irBi(^S(ff&r,
He hangs like a bat.
6149. 0isusrr6uir&) ^i^^^ ULp(ifiLD jyewfiew stf.^<s utfiQpih ^eir^
Is fruit knocked off by bats, or nibbled by squirrels, rejected ?
6150. Qeuerreurrey) ^emt^Sp ^tLt^eo (^zp. §j(§lju^ ^uUi^F
How can one dwell in a house frequented by bats ?
Some suppose that bats ia a house foretokea the speedy removal of
the resident family.
— - -
6151. QeueimQ ^mfle\) Q^irps^^p^Quireo,
As a squirrel ascends by clinging,
_i • ■
6152. QeueneS^FQ^ir^fl Quff^^u Quirq^etr iLiSwr®.
They have weaH^i who amassed it ly pltin<ier.
6153. Qeuetre9e\) ^zp. ^q^^iseoiTwnr ?
May one continue to dweU among iJiose wkx)m he robs ?
*6 1 54. QeiJsrreQ Qeu€iT^&' Q^irfi^ir^u^ Uipp6Uiri(^ esi^^^ epi^eufr^.
Though he may have anutssed wealth by continued rapine, he will
leave it for others when he dies.
6lt55. QeuetreQ&sT Quni(^ (tpi^eu^ <*(5i(5.
The rapacious end their '^ays in the halter.
5156. QeuerreQuj SQ^iLth (sr^etstXi^ ^es£.
Carefully persevere in what you trndertake.
IP
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